Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words, when these are used at the ends of lines of poetry

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

A character that undergoes a big change by the end

A literary device in which a word or phrase is used multiple times.

A character who contrasts with another character.

The forms and uses of language in a literary work.

The conclusion of a story

Comparing 2 things without using like or as.

Words, phrases, clauses, or sentences set in deliberate contrast to one another.

The audience knows something that the characters don't

The sequence of events that make up a story.

An element such as an image, idea, theme, situation, or action, that recurs significantly throughout a narrative.

The most intense point in a story

The dictionary meaning of a word

When a word sounds like what it means

The repetition of the same word at the beginning of lines of verse, sentences, or parts of sentences

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

This part of the story is often where the protagonist faces challenges and must overcome obstacles to achieve their goal

The character telling the story is taking part in the story; i.e. I / me

A reference to a well-known person, event, place, or work of art.

A word opposite in meaning to another

The repetition of a consonant sound.

Writer's attitude toward his/her subject

The character telling the story is an outside observer; i.e. he/she AND provides a God's-eye perspective on things

An exaggeration used to emphasize a point- not to be taken literally.

A problem or struggle between opposing forces

A struggle between a literary or dramatic character and an outside force, such as nature or another character.

Comparing 2 things using like or as

When a character in literature experiences tension within themselves.

A contrast between what looks real and actually real.

The repetition of a consonant sound

When the author gives hints about things that'll happen in the story.

A writer's tool, or "literary device" that occurs any time the author uses details to teach us about a person.

The pattern of rhythm and sound used in poetry.

When the author describes a character without telling the reader directly.

Where and when a story takes place

A universal idea or big lesson about life

An association or additional meaning that a word may carry, beyond its literal reference or dictionary definition.

The main character in a story

A character working against the main character

A conversation between characters

A character that stays the same throughout a story

A person, place, or thing that suggests meanings beyond its literal sense.

Using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

The introduction of setting & characters

A word that has the same meaning as another word (or nearly the same meaning)

A contradiction between what is said and what is meant.

A type of literature, or artistic writing, that attempts to stir a reader's imagination or emotions.

The feeling we get from a story

A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect.

When the author describes a character in a straightforward manner, as if telling the reader directly.

The organization of a story's various elements, including plot, characters, and themes.

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

Show a past event to show a character's motives

The character telling the story is an outside observer; i.e. he/she

The audience's excited anticipation about the plot or conflict.

A description that appeals to the 5 senses

A play on words in which one word is substituted for another similar or identical sound, but of very different meaning.

The part of the plot that comes after the story's climax.

When the opposite of what is expected actually happens.

Combining words that contradict each other

A statement that at first appears self-contradictory, but on reflection reveals some deeper sense