Duplicate of Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

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

Force or character working against the main character in a story

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

An author's word choice

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

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

Where and when a story takes place

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

Conclusion of the story

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

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

A description that appeals to one's five senses

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

The main character in a story

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