Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which term describes a minor character who acts as a humorous counterpart?

1. Paradox

2. Parody

3. Oxymoron

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: None of the above

The term that describes a minor character who acts as a humorous counterpart is known as a "comic relief" character, which is not included in the provided options. In dramatic literature, comic relief serves to provide a break from the intensity of the main storyline, often through humor or light-heartedness. While the options offered—paradox, parody, and oxymoron—are all valid literary terms, they do not specifically reference a character type that provides humor in the context of a narrative. A paradox involves a statement that contradicts itself but may reveal a truth, while a parody mimics another work to create a humorous effect. An oxymoron combines contradictory terms to create a unique expression, such as "bittersweet." Nevertheless, none of these terms relate directly to a secondary character characterized by humor in relation to the main characters or plot. Thus, the most accurate selection from the options given is "none of the above."