Literary Terms 2019 (Literary Devices)

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

Where and when a story takes place

Conclusion of the story

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

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

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

A character that undergoes a major change over the course of the story

A description that appeals to one's five senses

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

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

An author's word choice

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

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

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

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

The main character in a story

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

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

A comparison between two things using like or as