Writing Strategies

When the character telling the story is an outside observer; i.e. they, he, she, it

A character telling the story is taking part in the story; i.e. I, me, my

A contradiction between what a character thinks and what the audience knows to be true.

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Reference to a well-known person, event, place, literary work or work of art.

A contrast between what appears to be real and what is actually real.

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Words are used to suggest the opposite of what is meant.

Conclusion of the story

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

Force or character working against the main character in a story

An author's word choice

A character that stays the same throughout a story

In a story, the highest or most intense point in the development

An event occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of characters, reader, or audience

A character that undergoes a major change over the course of the story

A character that is stereotypical or only shows a few, one-sided traits

A character that has both positive and negative characteristics (like a real person)

A conversation between characters; can be used to move the action along.

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Hints that the author gives of things that are to come in the story.

Shows events from before the present time of the story, often to reveal a character's motives

The introduction of setting, character, and basic situation in a story

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

The main character in a story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

Where and when a story takes place

A comparison between two things using like or as

A description that appeals to one's five senses