Glossary of Literary Terms

Use of language to portray sensory experiences: taste, touch, smell, sound, sight.

An object, setting, etc. that is itself, but also has another meaning as well.

A play on words that uses words with the same sound but different meanings for effect.

The direct comparison of two unlike things to creatively describe one of the things.

The point in a story when the conflict reaches its greatest intensity (a turning point).

An passing reference to something, often a literary figure, historical event or person.

The feeling a reader gets from a work of literature.

Examples: "Snap", "Crackle", "Pop", "Sizzle", "Whoosh"

Clues or hints about something that actually happens later in a story.

When two or more words in a group of words begin with the same sound.

An author shows what a character is like by what he or she says, thinks, feels and does.

The beginning of a story when the characters and setting are first introduced.

The opposing force or enemy of the protagonist.

The environment in which a story takes place (time, place).

Example: "I felt the cold hand of death on my shoulder."

The creative, non-literal use of words; in some other way than for their literal meanings.

Extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

A commonly-used expression that cannot be understood literally.  "It's raining cats and dogs."

The author's attitude toward the subject matter, the reader or the audience.

When the opposite of what is meant is said.

Conversation between characters in a work of literature. 

When the reader or audience knows more than the character(s).

When the opposite of what you expect happens in a story.