Literary Terms (Literary Devices) ADVANCED

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

A piece of prose that can be read in one sitting

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

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

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

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Position from which the story is told

Imagery that appeals to the sense of smell

Plot that builds to climax

The main character in a story

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

Where and when a story takes place

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

Story told in first person and is a true

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