Literary Techniques

Use of an unusual character, setting, or situation to keep the reader wondering what will happen next

The implied or suggested meaning of a word or expression

A speaker says one thing but really means something completely different

The exaggeration of actions and ideas

Refers to the same constant sounds in words coming together..

The audience knows something the character does not

The method used by a short story writer to tell his/her story

Exploiting the different possible meanings of a word; a play on words, double meaning

Adding some form of light-heartedness to make a situation amusing

What is expected to happen is the opposite of what it occurs

Unexpected turn or twist in events - the exact opposite of expectations

Using descriptive words to give the reader a vivid picture; used to appeal to a reader’s senses

The narration of a story by an all-knowing observer, who can be in several places at a time

Giving a thing, an idea or animal, human qualities

Expresses the writer’s attitude toward the characters, setting or situation, ranging from humorous to serious or tragic

Conversation between or amongst characters

The narration of a story by the main character

Refers back to an earlier point in time

Style of speaking or writing determined by the choice of words used by a speaker or a writer

The narration of a story by an all-knowing observer but limited to one character

A character who falls into a broad generalization, and thus acts predictably

A comparison between two unlike things using like or as

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear together

Dropping important clues by the author to prepare the reader for what is to come

A reference to some person, place, or event with literary, historical, or geographical significance..

Using an image or object that stands for something larger that itself; representing general ideas

A word or a combination of words, whose sound seems to resemble closely the sound it is referring to

Showing the similarities and differences between characters, images or ideas

A comparison between two unlike elements (not using like or as)

The author’s use of language, quality of vocabulary, complexity of sentences, symbols, etc