Key terms & definitions

A punishment whose severity appropriately reflects the seriousness of the offence.

A character function identified by Vladimir Propp, such as a hero pursuing a quest or a helper assisting the hero.

A character’s function in a story, such as hero, helper, donor or villain, rather than simply their personality.

A character role derived from Vladimir Propp’s analysis of stories: the hero acts to overcome a threat or resolve a problem.

Propp’s approach to narrative, which identifies recurring character roles and actions, such as a hero being sent on a quest.

Software controlled by its owner and supplied under a restrictive licence, normally without access to its source code or permission to modify it.

Behaviour considered socially appropriate, respectable and well-mannered.

A monumental entrance gateway leading into a palace or other important complex.

In proportion to the hours worked, such as receiving half a full-time entitlement when working half the full-time hours.

An architectural frame around the stage opening, separating the visible performance space from scenery and equipment concealed behind it.

The official listing of people as outlaws liable to be killed and have their property confiscated; the triumvirs use it to remove opponents and help fund their armies.

Speech or writing without a regular verse metre.

Writing in sentences and paragraphs rather than verse.

Bringing a criminal accusation against someone through the courts; prosecution does not necessarily result in conviction.

Fiction written in sentences and paragraphs rather than verse, such as a novel or short story.

The queen of the underworld and wife of its king. Her Greek name, Persephone, appears in the prescribed translation.

A ritual of obeisance before a ruler. Some Greeks and Macedonians opposed its use before Alexander because they associated such honours with gods rather than human beings.

Behaviour intended to help or benefit other people.

Behaviour intended to help or benefit other people.

A person who searches for valuable mineral deposits, such as gold.

A protein made by prostate cells whose level can be measured in blood.

A prayer posture in which the forehead touches the ground, expressing humility and submission to Allah.

An audience member who both consumes and produces media content.

The central character whose experiences and decisions drive a literary work. Jane is the protagonist of Jane Eyre.

The central character of a story, whose experiences and actions organise much of its narrative.

The central character whose experiences organise the story.

A digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.

An enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.

A personal characteristic protected by equality law, such as age, sex, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

A personal characteristic for which discrimination is prohibited under equality legislation, subject to the law’s scope and exceptions.