Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

The main character in a story

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

Conclusion of the story

Force or character working against the main character in a story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

A character that does NOT change during a story

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

Where and when a story takes place

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

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

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Comparison of two things without using like or as.