Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

An author's word choice

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

When something unexpected happens or is said...

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

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

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

Where and when a story takes place

The way in which the author develops the personalities of the characters

A description that appeals to one's five senses

Conclusion of the story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

The main character in a story

The sequence of events in a work of literature

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

A recurring feature of a work that develops a theme

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

Hints that the author gives of things that are to come in the story.

Force or character working against the main character in a story