Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

The events that take place in the story

A story within a story which is linked to the story´s main plot; for instance, the story of Kate Barlow and Sam.

A description that appeals to one's five senses

This symbol is used in Holes to represent everything good and healthy in life.

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

A narrator who knows everything about the story and the characters

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

What is the genre in Holes?

Drawing conclusions or making judgments based on hints or clues within a text

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

A tense feeling in the reader, caused by wondering what may happen

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

The way in which a story is written

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

An example of figurative language is:

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

Conclusion of the story

Anything that stands for or represents something else

In a story, the highest or most intense point in the development (a life-changing moment)

The main character in a story

A section of the plot that follows the climax & decreases tension of the central conflict, moving the story along.

Where and when a story takes place

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

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