Literary Techniques

The narration of a story by an all-knowing observer but limited to one character

Using descriptive words to give the reader a vivid picture; used to appeal to a reader’s senses

Conversation between or amongst characters

Style of speaking or writing determined by the choice of words used by a speaker or a writer

The author’s use of language, quality of vocabulary, complexity of sentences, symbols, etc

Refers back to an earlier point in time

The narration of a story by the main character

A comparison between two unlike things using like or as

Using an image or object that stands for something larger that itself; representing general ideas

A character who falls into a broad generalization, and thus acts predictably

A speaker says one thing but really means something completely different

Giving a thing, an idea or animal, human qualities

The narration of a story by an all-knowing observer, who can be in several places at a time

What is expected to happen is the opposite of what it occurs

Unexpected turn or twist in events - the exact opposite of expectations

The audience knows something the character does not

Refers to the same constant sounds in words coming together..

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear together

The exaggeration of actions and ideas

Dropping important clues by the author to prepare the reader for what is to come

The method used by a short story writer to tell his/her story

A reference to some person, place, or event with literary, historical, or geographical significance..

Exploiting the different possible meanings of a word; a play on words, double meaning

Expresses the writer’s attitude toward the characters, setting or situation, ranging from humorous to serious or tragic

A comparison between two unlike elements (not using like or as)

A word or a combination of words, whose sound seems to resemble closely the sound it is referring to

Adding some form of light-heartedness to make a situation amusing

The implied or suggested meaning of a word or expression

Showing the similarities and differences between characters, images or ideas

Use of an unusual character, setting, or situation to keep the reader wondering what will happen next