Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

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

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

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

Conclusion of the story

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

A character that stays the same throughout a story

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

A description that appeals to one's five senses

An author's word choice

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

The main character in a story

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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.

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

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

Where and when a story takes place

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