Character Terms 1. Tragic hero- a character, usually of high
status, who suffers a downfall as a result of a fatal character flaw, errors in judgment, or forces beyond human control.
2. Foil- a minor character whose attitudes, beliefs, and behavior differ significantly from those of a main character. serves 2 purposes: a. highlights flaws of the main character b. suggests what the main character might
have been like without the flaws.
Speeches 3. Aside- a comment that is directed to the
audience and that the other characters on the stage are not supposed to hear.
4. Monologue- a long speech by a character that is spoken while others are on the stage.
5. Soliloquy- “talking to yourself” speech made alone on stage that reveals private thoughts, motives, and intentions.
Literary Elements/Style Devices 6. Pun- words or phrases used to suggest two or
more meanings at the same time. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was
cited for littering. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said:
'Keep off the Grass.' 7.
Blank verse- the majority of Hamlet is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter. Shakespeare varied most of his lines to avoid a sing-song and monotonous rhythm and at times to create a specific effect.
8. Paradox- a statement which seems untrue or self-contradictory, but which reveals a kind of truth. (Ex. They have ears but hear not.)
9. Stichomythia- repetition in quick
exchanges of dialogue.
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