Literary Devices

a form of expression natural to a language, person, or group of people.

a thing that represents or stands for something larger/abstract

visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.

doesn't undergo any change in character, personality or perspective over the course of a story.

speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself

a comparison between two similar things, for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

a series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension in a narrative.

human characteristics to something nonhuman

a remark or passage that is intended to be heard by the audience but not the other characters.

a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work

a warning or indication of a future event.

a long speech by one actor in a play or movie

point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension hits the highest point.

comparing something to which it is not literally applicable

the last of the five main elements of plot where all loose ends are tied up

comic episodes in a dramatic or literary work that offset more serious sections.

when the characters are unaware of something the audience knows; creates tension and suspense

using the different meanings and sounds of a word to make a joke; a play on words.

occurs right after the climax, when the main problem of the story resolves

the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, using like or as

a scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story.

character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude

opposite characters who highlight the traits of the other character.

a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine

have traits that earn sympathy of the audience, but have flaws/mistakes that lead to downfall

any struggle between opposing forces. Usually, the main character against some other force

the traditional larger way playwrights break up the action of a play

a group of actors who commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation

an idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art or literature. (usually teaches a lesson)

an indirect or passing reference not another work of literature,art, history, etc.

absurd or self-contradictory statement that when explained may prove to be well founded or true

an instruction in the text of a play, especially one indicating what actors should do

verse without rhyme, especially that which uses iambic pentameter.

a conversation between two or more characters