2nd Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

An author's word choice

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

Where and when a story takes place

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

The main character in a story

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

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

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

Conclusion of the story

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

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

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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