Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Conclusion of the story

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

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

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 that undergoes a major change over the course of the story

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

Where and when a story takes place

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

The main character in a story

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

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

An author's word choice

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

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

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

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

Force or character working against the main character in a story

A description that appeals to one's five senses