Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

A character that stays the same throughout a story

A comparison between two things using like or as

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

The main character in a story

Where and when a story takes place

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

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

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

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

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

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

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

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

Conclusion of the story

An author's word choice

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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