Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

The main character in a story

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

A description that appeals to one's five senses

A comparison between two things using like or as

Where and when a story takes place

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

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

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

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

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

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

Universal idea or lesson about life

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

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Force or character working against the main character in a story