Literary Devices

When tangible objects represent abstract ideas.

When an abstract concept is represented as a person/character. 

When characters speak to one another. 

When one thing is said to be like (or as) something very different. 

When the opposite of what is expected happens. 

Counterpart to the main character, this one causes conflict. 

A crisis and turning point in a story, where conflicts can be resolved. 

The main idea or message of the text. 

A story that starts out badly, but ends up happy.

A description of what a character sees, smells, tastes, touches, or hears.

Not mentioning something explicitly, but in a passing reference. 

The emotional state or attitude of the speaker/narrator.

The sequence of events in a story.

The identity of the narrator's voice. 1st person, 3rd person... 

Extreme exaggeration to make a point.

Where and when a story take place.

Where every aspect of a story is symbolic of something else. 

Describing a character's personality, look, history, or values. 

Comparing two unlike things by saying one IS the other.

When readers know something characters don't. 

When future events in a story are hinted at before they happen. 

When human abilities are given to non-human things. 

Repetition of consonant sounds in within close proximity.

When an author interrupts a story to provide background info. 

When a story starts out great, but ends in disaster.  

When animals can talk.

Where sounds are spelled out as words