Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

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

Conclusion of the story

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

Force or character working against the main character in a story

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

Where and when a story takes place

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

The main character in a story

Anything that stands for or represents something else

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

An author's word choice

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

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

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