Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

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

The main character in a story

A comparison between two things using like or as

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

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

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

An author's word choice

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

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

A character that stays the same throughout a story

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

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

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Force or character working against the main character in a story

Where and when a story takes place

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

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

Conclusion of the story

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

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

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