Literary Devices

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, historical event, cultural event, political event or idea. The author only refers to the concept and the reader is expected to know it or research it.

Theme

A central message or lesson from a text that applies to life and/or humanity. Themes can NOT be expressed in a single word.

Antagonist

A character or group of characters that oppose the leading or central character. For example, Darth Vader opposes Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars'.

Suspense

A feeling of fascination or excitement mixed with fear, apprehension or tension. This device is usually used in mystery stories or movies.

Onomatopoeia

A word that resembles or imitates a sound.

Hyperbole

An exaggeration of an idea. For example: He is as big as an elephant.

Symbol

An object that represents or stands for an idea, belief or action. A heart is a sign of love.

Personification

An object, idea or animal is given human attributes. In the movie 'Cars' the vehicles are designed with human characteristics.

Simile

Compares two unlike things using the words 'like', or 'as'. For example, the dog smells like dirty socks.

Metaphor

Compares two unlike things without using the words 'like' or 'as'. In the image, life is being compared to a pathway that meanders. Life is not a straightforward path.

Foreshadowing

The author hints what is to come in the unfolding story. This helps to avoid disappointment or to arouse interest in the reader.

Imagery

The authors use of vivid words and descriptions to help the reader create an image in his or her mind. Often times all senses are used to create imagery.

Protagonist

The central or leading character in a story. Harry Potter would be the leading character in the Harry Potter series.

Setting

The location and time frame in which a narrative takes place. Characters are often dependent on the location and time for their development.

Third person limited point of view

The narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character in a story. The narrator refers to the characters as 'he', or 'she'.

Point of View

The perspective from which a writer presents or recounts his or her story.

Alliteration

The repetition of a consonant. It helps create effect, tone and mood within a text.

Second person point of view

The word 'you' is used. The writer controls all of the information and the reader has little input into the story or information. For example: You open your eyes and the sun is already in the sky.

First person point of view

The words 'I' or 'we' is used to narrate the story. For example: I walked down the road and saw a rabbit run across the road.

Third person omniscient point of view

The words 'she', and 'he' is used in this narrative form. This point of view tells the reader what two or more characters are talking about. The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience is aware of something that a character is not aware of. Horror movies use this to add suspense by showing us that a character is in danger.

Situational Irony

When the situation is contray to what we would expect. For instance, seeing a person take an escalator to the gym door instead of walking up the stairs.

Oxymoron

When two opposing words are placed side by side to create an effect. For example: pretty ugly, civil war, awfully good.

Verbal Irony

When what is said is contrary to what is meant. This is often associated with sarcasm. Like saying to someone, "Nice shot," after missing a free throw.