Definitions

Here's a writer's dictionary for standard literary and publishing terms that you want to have in your back pocket. These definitions will be updated periodically from my posts.

A

Active Character |aktiv kariktər|
noun
1. A character who drives the action of the novel.
2. Usually, the protagonist.
3. Harry Potter is the protagonist, the decision maker, and the title of the book. You go, Harry Potter.
See also: Active Vs. Passive Characters

Antagonist |anˈtagənist|
noun
1. The one thing that keeps the main character from fulfilling his main desire.
2. Also known as the "villain."
3. Can be something physical, like a person or a giant, man-eating shark. It can also be something abstract, like war or famine. Furthermore, it can be some inner torment in the main character, like insecurity or fear. 
See also: 

B

C

Critique |kriˈtēk|
noun
1. A written response to your full manuscript.
2. Can exist in varying stages of helpfulness. If it's from your mother, not so helpful. If it's from a professional editor, very helpful.
3. Should be required for all first-time writers. Consider getting a fresh pair of eyes for your manuscript, especially if you plan on publishing or sending it off to writing competitions.
See also: Life After Nano: 10 Step Guide

D

E

F

G

H

Hand Of God |handəvgäd|
noun
1. When an author forces their characters to dance around the plot of the novel like puppets, even if their actions do not correspond with the characters' personal desires or motivations.
2. When an author makes certain events happen because the author wants them to happen, even if said events do not make logical sense in the progression of the novel.
3. Anne Rice changes religions, so Lestat goes straight.
See also: Active Vs. Passive Characters

I

J

K

L

M

Main Character |mīn kariktər|
noun
1. See Protagonist. 

N

NaNoWriMo |na-noh-ry-moh |
noun
1. National Novel Writing Month. 
2. An online writing challenge taken up by thousands of writers around the world. Their mission? To complete a 50,000 word novel during the month of November.
3. A sadomasochistic practice in which you beat yourself mercilessly with your keyboard. Often fueled by coffee and Oreos and possibly the highest literary bragging right outside of the Nobel Book Prize.
See also: Life After Nano: 10 Step Guide


O

P

Passive Character |pasiv kariktər|
noun
1. A character who fails to drive the action of the novel. In a good novel, this character may be the narrator or a minor character
2. In a bad novel, this character may be the protagonist.
3. Nick Carraway is a voyeur and a passive character. 
See also: Active Vs. Passive Characters

Protagonist |prōˈtagənist|
noun
1. The main character. 
2. Most of the times, he's the good guy. Sometimes, he's the serial killer you can't help but love.
3. "Luke, you're our only hope." 
See also: Active Vs. Passive Characters


Q

R

S


Spell-check |spelCHek|
noun
1. You're friend.
See also: Life After Nano: 10 Step Guide


T

U

V

Villain |vilən|
noun
1. See Antagonist. 

W

X

Y

Z