Duplicate of Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

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.

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

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

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

Where and when a story takes place

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

The main character in a story

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

A description that appeals to one's five senses

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

A character that stays the same throughout a story

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

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

Conclusion of the story

An author's word choice

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

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Force or character working against the main character in a story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

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