Lesson

Literature

Literary vocabulary and genres

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Literature Vocabulary

This lesson introduces key vocabulary used to discuss literature: terms that describe characters, structure, and literary techniques. These words help you analyze texts, write summaries, and discuss books or articles in professional contexts.

  • Learn core literary terms: protagonist, antagonist, narrator, theme, motif, plot, setting, climax.
  • Understand each term's role in a text and how to use it in sentences.
  • Practice recognizing synonyms and collocations for clear, precise descriptions.

Table

Key Literature Terms

Term Part of Speech Example Sentence
protagonist noun The protagonist in the novel faces a moral dilemma at work.
antagonist noun The antagonist opposes the protagonist's goals in the story.
narrator noun The narrator describes events from a first-person perspective.
theme noun The theme of the report was resilience in changing markets.
motif noun A recurring motif of doors symbolizes missed opportunities.
plot noun The plot unfolds over three acts with a surprising twist.
setting noun The setting is a small coastal town during the 1990s.
climax noun The climax occurs when the two rivals confront each other.

Tip

How to learn literature vocabulary

Focus on meaning, use, and collocations:

  • Learn the definition and a clear example sentence for each term.
  • Study collocations (e.g., 'main protagonist', 'recurring motif', 'narrative voice').
  • Group related words (theme — motif — message) to build a mental map.

Practice by summarizing short texts using the new terms.

Example

Examples in context

The protagonist of the case study overcame a major organizational challenge.

The report's theme focuses on innovation and long-term strategy.

A recurring motif in the article is the image of open doors.

During the presentation, the narrator highlighted the timeline and setting of the project.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when using literature vocabulary:

  • Mixing up character roles (confusing antagonist with narrator).
  • Using 'theme' and 'plot' interchangeably — they have different meanings.
  • Overusing abstract words without examples (e.g., citing a theme without evidence).
  • Ignoring register: using overly informal words in academic/professional analysis.

Always check the precise definition and use examples to confirm meaning.

Quiz

Which word refers to the main character in a story?

Hint: Think about the character the audience usually follows.

Quiz

Complete: The _____ introduces the time and place of a story.

Hint: Think about time and location in a narrative.

Quiz

Choose the best synonym for 'theme' in a literary context:

Hint: Consider whether the option refers to meaning or structure.

Key Points

Vocabulary

protagonist

noun CEFR B2 //prəˈtæɡənɪst//

The main character in a story, often the one we root for.

The protagonist led the company through a difficult merger.

Vocabulary

antagonist

noun CEFR B2 //ænˈtæɡənɪst//

A character or force that opposes the protagonist.

In the case study, budget constraints acted as the antagonist to the project's success.

Vocabulary

narrator

noun CEFR B2 //ˈnærəˌtɔːr//

The voice or persona that tells the story.

The narrator of the report presented the timeline clearly.

Vocabulary

theme

noun CEFR B2 //θiːm//

The central idea, message, or underlying meaning of a text.

The theme of the white paper was sustainable growth.

Vocabulary

motif

noun CEFR C1 //məˈtiːf//

A recurring element (image, idea, or symbol) that has thematic significance.

The motif of broken clocks reinforced the story's theme of lost time.

Vocabulary

plot

noun CEFR B2 //plɒt//

The sequence of events that make up a story.

The plot of the case study outlined the problem, action, and resolution.

Vocabulary

setting

noun CEFR B1 //ˈsɛtɪŋ//

The time and place where a story occurs.

The setting for the marketing campaign was a major metropolitan area.

Vocabulary

climax

noun CEFR B2 //ˈklaɪmæks//

The most intense point in a story, often the turning point.

The climax of the presentation was the reveal of the new strategic plan.