Lord of the Flies

Relevant Literary Terminology

Characterization The methods that a writer uses to

develop characters. Description of physical appearance Description through speech, thoughts,

feelings, or actions Thoughts, speech, feelings, or actions of

other characters Direct comments about characters by the

narrator

Character Main Character – the most important characters Minor Character – other characters who interact

with the main characters Dynamic Characters – main characters who

undergo change throughout the story Static Characters – characters who remain the

same throughout the story Round Character – characters whose personality

traits are revealed throughout the story Flat character – characters who are described more

simply

Setting The time, place, and context in which a

story occurs.

Plot Exposition – Setting of tone, establishment of

setting, introduction of characters, and background information.

Rising Action – Events which move the story along by adding complications or expanding the conflict.

Climax – The moment when the reader’s interest and emotional intensity reach the highest point.

Falling Action (Resolution) – Occurring after the climax, the conflict is resolved and loose ends are tied up.

Symbol A person, place, activity, or object that

stands for something beyond itself.

Motif A recurring theme, subject, or idea in a

literary or artistic work.

Post-War Fiction A work in which the primary action takes

place in a field of armed combat, or in a domestic setting (or home front) where the characters are preoccupied with the preparations for, or recovery from, war. It is sometimes referred to as military fiction or war novels.