Literary Terms

Forms of Prose Fiction

1. Novel- is a log fiction almost always, concentrating on characters and incidents and usually contains a plot.
2. Novellas- the word is applied to a story somewhat longer than a short story.But not long enough to be considered as a novel.
3. Short stories- it is a short prose fiction which concentrates on a few characters or often one single character, which lacks a complicated plot and leisurely description..

Elements of Prose Fiction

1.  Narrative Techniques- this is simply the technique in having narrative skills, styles of writing used by the author.
2. Point of view- refers too the way in which a narrator approaches his or her materials ( characters, action, setting) and the audience.
3. Characterization- the way in which the writer creates characters in a play.It can either attract or repel our sympathy.
4. Setting- the time, place, environment and surrounding.circumstances of an event, story or play.
5. Theme- the abstract of a work; its central idea or ideas , which may or may not be explicit or obivious.
6. Plot- the arrangment or plan of incidents literary works.( novels,dramas, plays).
7. Style- the characteristic manner in which a writer expresses him or herself, or the particular manner of an individual literary work.

Literary Devices

1. Imagery- the formation of mental images, figures or likeness of things or of such images collectively.
2. Irony- the use of words to convey a meaning hat is the opposite of its literal meaning; the technique of indicating as through characters or plot development, an intention or attitude apposite to that which is actually stated.
3. Satire- a novel, play, entertainment, etc, in which tropical issues, folly or evil are held up to scorn by means of ridicule and irony.
4. allusion- a passing or casual reference; an incidental; mention of something, either directly or by implication.
5. Symbols- something used for or regarded as representing something else.

Structural Devices

1.  Stream of Consciousness- a common narrative technique in the modern novel ( an attempt to convey all the contents of a characters mind.e.g feeling, mind, thought)
2. Interior Monologue - An attempt to convey in words the process of consciousness or thought ( as a means of narrating a story)
3. Flash Back- a term borrowed from films. a sudden jump backwards in time to a earlier episode or scene in a story, novel, play or film.
4. Foreshadowing- the use of hints to suggest events that are to come.
5. Time Frame- is a period during which something takes place or is projected to occur.
6. Motif- is some aspect of literature ( a type of character. theme or play) which recurs frequently.
7. Juxtaposition- is the state of being placed or situated side by side

Types of Fiction

1. Science Fiction- fiction story with a science theme, space etc.
2. Animal Fiction-  the main character is an animal.
3. Historical Fiction- fiction story based on an historical event.
4. Humorous Fiction- funny story, characters, setting and or plot.
5. Biography- true story of someone's life.
6. Mystery- a problem is solved y following clues.
7. Fantasy- fanciful fiction, cannot possibly be real.
8. Fables- similar to folktales but the characters are animals and these are usually a moral or a lesson.