Literary Devices
Simile
An indirect relationship where on thing or idea is described as being similar to another.
Figurative Language
Any use of language where the intended meaning differs from the actual literal meaning of the words themselves.
Context
Conditions, including facts, social/historical background, time and place, etc., surrounding a given situation.
Antagonist
Counterpart to the main character and source of a story's main conflict. Opposes the protagonist in a significant way.
Creative License
Exaggeration or alteration of objective facts or reality, for the purpose of enhancing meaning in a fictional context.
Blank Verse
Non-rhyming poetry. Often written in iambic pentameter.
Plot
Sequence of events in a story.
Speaker
The "voice" of a poem, not to be confused with the poet him/herself.
Tone
The apparent emotional state of the speaker/narrator/narrative voice, as conveyed through the language of the piece.
Mood
The atmosphere or emotional condition created by the piece, within the setting.
Characterization
The author's means of conveying to the reader a character's personality, life history, values, physical attributes, etc.
Point-of-View
The identity of the narrative voice; the person or entity through whom the reader experiences the story.
Protagonist
The main character in a story, the one with whom the reader is meant to identify.
Theme
The main idea or message conveyed by the piece.
Structure
The manner in which the various elements of a story are assembled.
Character
The people who inhabit and take part in a story.
Alliteration
The repetition of consonant sounds within close proximity.
Tragic Flaw
The single characteristic or personality disorder which causes the downfall of the protagonist.
Setting
The time and place where a story occurs.
Climax
The turning point in a story, at which the end result becomes inevitable, usually where something suddenly goes terribly wrong; the "dramatic high point" of a story.
Symbolism
The use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas.
Parallelism
Use of similar or identical language, structures, events or ideas in different parts of a text.
Paradox
Where a situation is created which cannot possibly exists, because different elements of it cancel each other out.
Tragedy
Where a story ends with a negative or unfortunate outcome which was essentially avoidable, usually caused by a flaw in the central character's personality.
Exposition
Where an author interrupts a story in order to explain something, usually to provide important background information.
Irony
Where an event occurs which is unexpected, in the sense that it is somehow in absurd or mocking opposition to what would be expected or appropriate.
Anthropomorphism
Where animals or inanimate objects are portrayed in a story as people. Often incorrectly called personification.
Dialogue
Where characters speak to one another, may often be used to substitute for exposition.
Allegory
Where every aspect of a story is representative. Usually symbolic or larger abstract concept.
Foreshadowing
Where future events in a story, or the outcome, are suggested by the author before they happen.
Personification
Where inanimate objects or abstract concepts are seemingly endowed with human self-awareness.
Onomatopoeia
Where sounds are spelled out as words.
Repetition
Where specific word, phrase, or structure is repeated several times, usually in close proximity, to emphasize a particular idea.
Dramatic Irony
Where the audience or reader is aware of something important, of which the characters in the story are not aware.
Verbal Irony
Where the meaning of a specific expression is, or is intended to be, the exact opposite of what the words literally mean.
Foil
A character who is meant to represent characteristics, values, ideas, etc. which are directly and diametrically opposed to those of another character, usually the protagonist.
Oxymoron
A contradiction in terms.
Hyperbole
A description which exaggerates, usually employing extremes and/or superlatives to convey a positive or negative attribute.
Metaphor
A direct relationship where one thing or idea substitutes for another.
Iambic Pentameter
A poetic meter wherein each line contains ten syllables, as five repetitions of a two-syllable pattern in which the pronunciation emphasis is on the second syllable.
Tragic Hero/Figure
A protagonist who comes to a bad end as a result of his own behavior, usually cased by a specific personality disorder or character flaw.
Motif
A recurring important idea or image.
Conflict
A struggle between opposing forces which is the driving force of a story.
