Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

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

Polite, indirect expression that replaces words/phrases considered harsh & impolite. Ex: "John kicked the bucket."(Died)

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

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Conclusion of the story

3rd person POV in which the neutral narrator objectively "eavesdrops" and is not privy to characters' feelings/thoughts

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

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

An author's word choice

Type of 3rd-person pov in which the narrator is all-knowing and can narrate the thoughts/feelings of multiple characters

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

The main character in a story

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story.

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

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

Saying, phrase, or fixed expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. "Piece of cake!"

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

Type of irony in which the reader or audience knows something that a character does not.

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Where and when a story takes place

A description that appeals to one's five senses