Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

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

Anything that stands for or represents something else

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

An author's word choice

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

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

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

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

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

A comparison between two things using like or as

Where and when a story takes place

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

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

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

The main character in a story

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

A description that appeals to one's five senses

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

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

Force or character working against the main character in a story

Conclusion of the story

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

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

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject