Literary Techniques

a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature, limitations, and conformity to a set of standards.

A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.

An outcome that turns out to be very different from what was expected

A figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant

when a reader is aware of something that a character isn't

Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader

the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

Central idea of a work of literature

Attitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event

A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way

a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

the direct opposite, a sharp contrast

Author subtly reveals the character through actions and interactions.

The author directly states a character's traits

a character who changes throughout the course of a work

Character that stays the same, never changing

A character or force in conflict with the main character

Main character in a story

A character who acts as a contrast to another character

a worn-out idea or overused expression

a word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation.

A struggle between opposing forces

A writer's or speaker's choice of words

A method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events

exaggeration

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts

A comparison without using like or as

A figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it

A recurring theme, subject or idea

A figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.

A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes

A narrative device, often used at the beginning of a work that provides necessary background information about the characters and their circumstances.

A series of events that builds from the conflict. It begins with the inciting force and ends with the climax.

the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex.

Events after the climax, leading to the resolution

End of the story where loose ends are tied up

the perspective from which a story is told

the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

A question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer

A comparison using "like" or "as"

a generalized (sometimes accurate but often overgeneralized) belief about a group of people

a style of writing in which the thoughts and feelings of the writer are recorded as they occur

the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work

a state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.

A device in literature where an object represents an idea.

a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa

Everyday language of ordinary people