Literary Terms (Literary Devices) - BHS

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

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

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

This type of irony is a contradiction between what a character thinks and what the audience knows to be true.

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

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

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

Identify the prepositional phrase

The main idea or lesson the author is trying to teach.

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

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Which literary term refers to the use of words to create a humorous or satirical effect?

A comparison between two things using like or as

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Where and when a story takes place

When everything is wrapped up at the end of the story

Identify the prepositional phrase

Choose the proper noun

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

Force or character working against the main character in a story

The character who faces the conflict in the story