Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Force or character working against the main character in a story

The main character in a story

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

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Universal idea or lesson about life

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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.

Where and when a story takes place

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