Glossary O

Objective analysis

1. Limitations of First Draft Criticism (Creative Writing Hacks)

Objectivity

The quality of being unbiased and impartial in writing, presenting facts without personal opinion or emotion.

1. Autobiography vs. Memoir: Personal Stories (Defined)
2. What Are Direct Narration And Indirect Narration Rules? (10 Important Questions Answered)
3. Limitations of First Draft Criticism (Creative Writing Hacks)
4. Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
5. Romantic vs. Folk: Ballad Types (Compared)

Octave

An eight-line stanza in poetry, often used in sonnets.

1. Where Does The Word Sonnet Come From? (8 Most Common Questions Answered)
2. Ballad vs. Sonnet: Poetic Structures (Explained)
3. What Is A Ballade Example? (10 Important Questions Answered)
4. What Is A Ballade Poem? (10 Important Questions Answered)
5. Sonnet vs. Ballad: Poetry Forms (Explained)

Odes

A type of poem that celebrates or praises a person, place, or thing.

1. Elegy vs. Ode: Types of Poems (Defined)
2. Ballad vs. Sonnet: Poetic Structures (Explained)
3. Where Does The Word Sonnet Come From? (8 Most Common Questions Answered)
4. What Is A Ballade Example? (10 Important Questions Answered)
5. How To Write A Villanelle? (7 Core Questions Answered)
6. Ballad vs. Elegy: Emotional Tone (Compared)
7. Stanza vs. Verse: Ballad Basics (Clarified)

Offensive expression replacement

The act of replacing offensive language with more appropriate alternatives.

1. Euphemism vs. Dysphemism: Politeness in Language (Clarified)

Omniscient narrator

1. What Are Direct Narration And Indirect Narration Rules? (10 Important Questions Answered)
2. Limitations of POV Consistency (Creative Writing Hacks)
3. Flashbacks in Ballads: Time Shifts (Explained)

One-dimensional

Characters that lack depth or complexity.

1. Limitations of Villain Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
3. Limitations of Antagonist Characterization (Creative Writing Hacks)
4. Drama vs. Melodrama: Theater Terms (Compared)
5. Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
6. Cliche vs. Archetype: Ballad Characters (Defined)
7. Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)
8. Limitations of Show vs. Tell Rule (Creative Writing Hacks)
9. Limitations of Setting Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)
10. Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
11. Romantic vs. Folk: Ballad Types (Compared)
12. Motif vs. Theme: Recurring Elements (Compared)
13. Limitations of ‘Write What You Know’ (Creative Writing Hacks)
14. Limitations of POV Consistency (Creative Writing Hacks)
15. Satire vs. Parody: Humor in Ballads (Defined)
16. Limitations of Happy Ending Expectations (Creative Writing Hacks)
17. Limitations of Classic Plot Structures (Creative Writing Hacks)
18. Flashback vs Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
19. Epithet vs. Description: Character in Ballads (Defined)
20. Limitations of Prose Style Standards (Creative Writing Hacks)
21. Tragedy vs. Comedy: Ballad Themes (Compared)

One-dimensional antagonists

1. Limitations of Villain Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)

One-dimensional characters

1. Limitations of Character Archetype Rules (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of Genre Conformity (Creative Writing Hacks)
3. Limitations of Romantic Subplot Expectations (Creative Writing Hacks)
4. Limitations of Setting Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)
5. Limitations of Three-Act Structure (Creative Writing Hacks)
6. Epithet vs. Description: Character in Ballads (Defined)
7. Limitations of Antagonist Characterization (Creative Writing Hacks)
8. Limitations of Foreshadowing Techniques (Creative Writing Hacks)
9. Limitations of Happy Ending Expectations (Creative Writing Hacks)
10. Limitations of Hero’s Journey Template (Creative Writing Hacks)
11. Limitations of Monomyth Framework (Creative Writing Hacks)
12. Motif vs. Theme: Recurring Elements (Compared)
13. Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
14. Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)

One-dimensional heroes

1. Limitations of Monomyth Framework (Creative Writing Hacks)

One-dimensional personalities

1. Limitations of Character Archetype Rules (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
3. Limitations of Hero’s Journey Template (Creative Writing Hacks)
4. Theme vs Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)

One-dimensional portrayal

1. Limitations of Antagonist Characterization (Creative Writing Hacks)

One-size-fits-all approach

1. Limitations of Happy Ending Expectations (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of Monomyth Framework (Creative Writing Hacks)

One-size-fits-all approach flaws

1. Limitations of Three-Act Structure (Creative Writing Hacks)

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate the sound they represent (e.g. buzz, hiss, sizzle).

1. Onomatopoeia in Ballads: Sound Words (Defined)
2. Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
3. Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
4. Hyperbole in Ballads: Exaggeration (Explained)
5. Mood vs. Tone: Ballad Atmosphere (Explained)
6. Stanza vs. Verse: Ballad Basics (Clarified)
7. Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
8. What Is A Ballad Scheme? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
9. What Are Ten Idiomatic Expressions? (10 Important Questions Answered)
10. Do Ballads Have To Rhyme? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
11. Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
12. Imagery vs. Symbolism: Visual Writing (Explained)
13. Metaphor vs. Simile: Ballad Language (Explained)
14. What Is A Ballad? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Openness to different styles

1. Limitations of Writing Workshops (Creative Writing Hacks)

Opposing force

Opposing force – The antagonist or force that opposes the protagonist in a story.

1. Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Character Roles (Defined)
2. Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Ballad Roles (Compared)
3. Conflict vs. Tension: Ballad Dynamics (Defined)
4. Motif vs. Theme: Recurring Elements (Compared)
5. Epithet vs. Description: Character in Ballads (Defined)
6. Soliloquy vs. Dialogue: Speech in Ballads (Compared)
7. Theme vs Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)

Oppression

The unjust or cruel exercise of power over others, often resulting in discrimination, marginalization, or exploitation.

1. Dystopia vs. Utopia: Literary Settings (Explained)

Optical illusion

1. Allusion vs. Illusion: Commonly Confused (Explained)

Oracle

Oracle – A person or thing that is believed to be a source of wisdom or prophecy.

1. Epic vs. Tragedy: Literary Forms (Defined)

Oral communication

The act of speaking and listening in a face-to-face or virtual setting.

1. Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)

Oral communication tools

Techniques used to enhance the delivery of a poem when recited aloud, such as tone, pace, and volume.

1. Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)

Oral history

The transmission of historical knowledge and cultural traditions through spoken stories and accounts.

1. Myth vs. Legend: Traditional Tales (Explained)
2. Narrative vs. Lyrical: Ballad Styles (Compared)

Oral storytelling style

A method of storytelling that relies on spoken word and performance, often incorporating gestures and expressions.

1. Dialect vs. Standard English: Ballad Choices (Defined)

Oral tradition

The passing down of stories, legends, and cultural traditions through spoken word rather than written text.

1. Ballad vs. Epic: Storytelling Forms (Explained)
2. Alliteration vs. Assonance: Understanding Sounds (Compared)
3. Romantic vs. Folk: Ballad Types (Compared)
4. Mood vs. Tone: Ballad Atmosphere (Explained)
5. Dialect vs. Standard English: Ballad Choices (Defined)
6. Alliteration vs. Assonance: Ballad Sound (Defined)
7. Rhyme Scheme in Ballads (Decoded)
8. Myth vs. Legend: Traditional Tales (Explained)
9. Stanza vs. Verse: Ballad Basics (Clarified)
10. Idiom vs. Proverb: Phrases in Ballads (Explained)
11. Cliche vs. Archetype: Ballad Characters (Defined)
12. Imagery vs. Symbolism: Ballad Elements (Explained)
13. Conflict vs. Tension: Ballad Dynamics (Defined)
14. Narrative vs. Lyrical: Ballad Styles (Compared)
15. Refrain vs. Chorus: Ballad Repetition (Defined)
16. Ballad vs. Sonnet: Poetic Structures (Explained)
17. Anaphora in Ballads: Repetition (Explained)
18. Fable vs. Parable: Story Types (Defined)
19. What Makes A Ballad A Ballad? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Oral tradition history

1. Ballad vs. Epic: Storytelling Forms (Explained)

Oral transmission

The passing down of stories, traditions, and knowledge through spoken word rather than written text.

1. Narrative vs. Lyrical: Ballad Styles (Compared)
2. Dialect vs. Standard English: Ballad Choices (Defined)
3. Rhythm vs. Meter: Ballad Framework (Explained)
4. Stanza vs. Verse: Ballad Basics (Clarified)

Ordeal

1. Myth vs. Legend: Traditional Tales (Explained)

Organizational skills

1. Limitations of Writing Prompts (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of MFA Programs (Creative Writing Hacks)

Originality in writing

1. Limitations of Writing Prompts (Creative Writing Hacks)

Ornamentation

The use of decorative elements in music or literature to enhance or embellish the main theme or idea.

1. Pace vs. Tempo: Ballad Rhythm (Explained)

Otherworldly beings

Supernatural or mythical creatures that exist outside of the natural world.

1. Romantic vs. Folk: Ballad Types (Compared)

Outcast/loner archetype

Characters who are isolated or rejected by society.

1. Cliche vs. Archetype: Ballad Characters (Defined)

Outlaw/rebel figure

Characters who challenge authority or societal norms.

1. Cliche vs. Archetype: Ballad Characters (Defined)

Overconfidence in abilities

1. Limitations of Peer Review (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overcrowded Trading Space

1. Limitations of Market Trend Following (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overemphasis

The act of placing too much emphasis or importance on a particular aspect or element of a work of literature.

1. Myth vs. Legend: Traditional Tales (Explained)
2. Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
3. Alliteration vs. Assonance: Ballad Sound (Defined)
4. Allusion vs. Reference: Ballad Connections (Compared)
5. Limitations of Flashback Usage (Creative Writing Hacks)
6. Limitations of Standard Pacing (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overemphasis on craft techniques

1. Limitations of MFA Programs (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overemphasis on heroism

1. Limitations of Monomyth Framework (Creative Writing Hacks)

Over-explaining plot points

1. Limitations of Show vs. Tell Rule (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overgeneralization of traditions

1. Limitations of Setting Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overlooked areas of improvement

1. Limitations of Peer Review (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overreliance on cliches

1. Limitations of ‘Write What You Know’ (Creative Writing Hacks)

Over-reliance on indicators

1. Limitations of Market Trend Following (Creative Writing Hacks)

Over-reliance on memory

1. Limitations of ‘Write What You Know’ (Creative Writing Hacks)

Oversimplification

The act of reducing a complex idea or concept to a simple or superficial explanation.

1. Romance vs. Romanticism: Genres (Clarified)
2. Limitations of Setting Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)
3. Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)
4. Ballad vs. Elegy: Emotional Tone (Compared)
5. Epithet vs. Description: Character in Ballads (Defined)
6. Fable vs. Parable: Story Types (Defined)
7. Myth vs. Legend: Traditional Tales (Explained)
8. Narrative vs. Lyrical: Ballad Styles (Compared)
9. Romantic vs. Folk: Ballad Types (Compared)

Over-the-top acting

Acting that is exaggerated for dramatic effect.

1. Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)

Over-the-top emotions

Emotions that are exaggerated for dramatic effect.

1. Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)

Over-the-top performance

A performance that is exaggerated or excessive in its delivery, often for comedic effect.

1. Character vs. Caricature: Deep Dive (Explained)

Overuse

The excessive repetition of a word or phrase in writing.

1. Limitations of Literary Device Overuse (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of Descriptive Writing Standards (Creative Writing Hacks)
3. Imagery vs. Symbolism: Visual Writing (Explained)
4. Pace vs. Tempo: Ballad Rhythm (Explained)
5. Limitations of Standard Pacing (Creative Writing Hacks)
6. Stanza vs. Verse: Ballad Basics (Clarified)
7. Hyperbole in Ballads: Exaggeration (Explained)
8. Mood vs. Tone: Ballad Atmosphere (Explained)
9. Limitations of Adverb Avoidance Advice (Creative Writing Hacks)
10. Pathos vs. Bathos: Emotional Appeals (Explained)
11. Epithet vs. Description: Character in Ballads (Defined)
12. Foreshadowing in Ballads: Future Hints (Explained)
13. Limitations of Dialogue Writing Rules (Creative Writing Hacks)
14. Metaphor vs. Simile: Ballad Language (Explained)
15. Refrain vs. Chorus: Ballad Repetition (Defined)
16. Limitations of Flashback Usage (Creative Writing Hacks)
17. Pathos vs. Ethos: Emotional Appeal (Defined)
18. Flashbacks in Ballads: Time Shifts (Explained)
19. Assonance vs. Consonance: Sound Patterns (Clarified)
20. Flashback vs Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
21. Personification in Ballads (Decoded)
22. Limitations of Writing Prompts (Creative Writing Hacks)
23. Limitations of Linear Narratives (Creative Writing Hacks)
24. Hyperbole vs. Understatement: Degree of Expression (Compared)
25. Alliteration vs. Assonance: Ballad Sound (Defined)
26. Idiom vs. Proverb: Phrases in Ballads (Explained)
27. Diction vs. Syntax: Language Choices (Explained)
28. Motif vs. Theme: Recurring Elements (Compared)
29. Anaphora in Ballads: Repetition (Explained)
30. Setting vs. Scene: Literary Locations (Defined)
31. Conflict vs. Tension: Ballad Dynamics (Defined)
32. Drama vs. Melodrama: Theater Terms (Compared)
33. Imagery vs. Symbolism: Ballad Elements (Explained)
34. Pathetic Fallacy vs. Personification (Compared)
35. Onomatopoeia in Ballads: Sound Words (Defined)
36. Analogy vs. Metaphor: Comparative Language (Explained)
37. Symbol vs Metaphor: Identifying Differences (Compared)
38. Suspense vs. Surprise: Ballad Techniques (Explained)
39. Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Ballad Roles (Compared)
40. Limitations of Hero’s Journey Template (Creative Writing Hacks)
41. Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
42. Monologue vs. Soliloquy: Speeches (Explained)
43. Prose vs. Verse: Text Types (Clarified)
44. Satire vs. Parody: Humor in Ballads (Defined)
45. Rhyme Scheme in Ballads (Decoded)
46. What Are Idioms To Use In Daily Conversation? (10 Important Questions Answered)
47. Limitations of Foreshadowing Techniques (Creative Writing Hacks)
48. Limitations of Tropes and Cliches (Creative Writing Hacks)
49. Limitations of Three-Act Structure (Creative Writing Hacks)
50. Theme vs Motif: Literary Elements (Defined)
51. Irony vs Sarcasm: Clearing Confusions (Defined)
52. Diction vs. Syntax: Ballad Language Choices (Compared)
53. Connotation vs. Denotation: Ballad Language (Compared)
54. Ballad vs. Elegy: Emotional Tone (Compared)
55. Anecdote vs. Vignette: Small Stories (Clarified)
56. Allegory vs. Symbol: Understanding Meaning (Compared)
57. Onomatopoeia vs. Mimesis: Sound in Literature (Compared)
58. Tragedy vs. Comedy: Ballad Themes (Compared)

Overused archetypes

1. Limitations of Hero’s Journey Template (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused character traits

Traits or characteristics that are used too frequently in storytelling.

1. Cliche vs. Archetype: Ballad Characters (Defined)

Overused cliches/tropes

1. Limitations of ‘Write What You Know’ (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused device

1. Limitations of Foreshadowing Techniques (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused expression

Overused expression – A phrase or expression that has become trite or cliched through overuse.

1. Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
2. What Are Idioms To Use In Daily Conversation? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Overused plot formula

1. Limitations of Monomyth Framework (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused plotlines

1. Limitations of Literary Device Overuse (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused plot twists

1. Limitations of Happy Ending Expectations (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused story beats

1. Limitations of Three-Act Structure (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused themes

1. Limitations of Writing Prompts (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused tropes

1. Limitations of Hero’s Journey Template (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of Genre Conformity (Creative Writing Hacks)
3. Limitations of Classic Plot Structures (Creative Writing Hacks)
4. Limitations of Three-Act Structure (Creative Writing Hacks)
5. Limitations of Tropes and Cliches (Creative Writing Hacks)
6. Limitations of Villain Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)
7. Limitations of Antagonist Characterization (Creative Writing Hacks)
8. Limitations of ‘Kill Your Darlings’ Advice (Creative Writing Hacks)
9. Limitations of Romantic Subplot Expectations (Creative Writing Hacks)
10. Limitations of Foreshadowing Techniques (Creative Writing Hacks)
11. Limitations of Literary Device Overuse (Creative Writing Hacks)
12. Limitations of Monomyth Framework (Creative Writing Hacks)
13. Limitations of Writing Prompts (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused tropes and cliches

1. Limitations of Character Archetype Rules (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of Classic Plot Structures (Creative Writing Hacks)
3. Limitations of Hero’s Journey Template (Creative Writing Hacks)
4. Limitations of Tropes and Cliches (Creative Writing Hacks)
5. Limitations of Villain Stereotypes (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overused tropes and motifs

1. Limitations of Character Archetype Rules (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overuse of adjectives

1. Limitations of Adverb Avoidance Advice (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of Descriptive Writing Standards (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overuse of exposition

1. Drama vs. Melodrama: Theater Terms (Compared)
2. Flashback vs Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
3. Limitations of Show vs. Tell Rule (Creative Writing Hacks)
4. Monologue vs. Soliloquy: Speeches (Explained)

Overuse of flashbacks

1. Limitations of Flashback Usage (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Limitations of Linear Narratives (Creative Writing Hacks)
3. Flashback vs Foreshadowing: Time in Text (Compared)
4. Flashbacks in Ballads: Time Shifts (Explained)
5. Limitations of Foreshadowing Techniques (Creative Writing Hacks)
6. Limitations of Standard Pacing (Creative Writing Hacks)
7. Limitations of Three-Act Structure (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overuse of hints

1. Limitations of Foreshadowing Techniques (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overuse of intensifiers

1. Limitations of Descriptive Writing Standards (Creative Writing Hacks)

Overuse of literary devices

1. Limitations of Adverb Avoidance Advice (Creative Writing Hacks)
2. Metaphor vs Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
3. Diction vs. Syntax: Ballad Language Choices (Compared)
4. Diction vs. Syntax: Language Choices (Explained)
5. Imagery vs. Symbolism: Visual Writing (Explained)
6. Limitations of Literary Device Overuse (Creative Writing Hacks)
7. Metaphor vs. Simile: Ballad Language (Explained)

Oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms, such as “jumbo shrimp” or “deafening silence.”

1. Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Contradictory Terms (Clarified)
2. Metaphor vs Simile: Know the Difference (Explained)
3. What Is A Ballad Scheme? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
4. Idiom vs. Cliche: Understanding Phrases (Explained)
5. Irony in Ballads: Unexpected Twists (Explained)

Oxymoronic phrase

A phrase that combines two contradictory terms for emphasis or effect.

1. Oxymoron vs. Paradox: Contradictory Terms (Clarified)