Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

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

An author's word choice

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

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

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

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)

Atmosphere or feeling we get from the story

Anything that stands for or represents something else

A character that stays the same throughout a story

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

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

Force or character working against the main character in a story

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

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

Comparison of two things without using like or as.

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

A comparison between two things using like or as

Conclusion of the story

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

A description that appeals to one's five senses

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

The main character in a story

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

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

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

Where and when a story takes place

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

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

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