Fox Tech: Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

An author's word choice

The main character in a story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

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

Where and when a story takes place

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

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

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

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Conclusion of the story

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

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

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

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

A description that appeals to one's five senses