Duplicate of Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

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

Where and when a story takes place

Conclusion of the story

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

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

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

An author's word choice

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

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

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

The main character in a story

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

Force or character working against the main character in a story

A description that appeals to one's five senses