Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Where and when a story takes place

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

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

The main character in a story

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

An author's word choice

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

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

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

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

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

Conclusion of the story

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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