2nd Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

An author's word choice

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

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

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

A description that appeals to one's five senses

Where and when a story takes place

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

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

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

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

Conclusion of the story

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

A character that undergoes a major change over the course of 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

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

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

The main character in a story

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics