Literary Techniques and Elements of a Story

Hyperbole

An over-the-top exaggeration to make a point

Repetition

When an idea, image, phrase, word, or object is repeated

Alliteration

When the beginning sound of the starting consonant repeats

Smilie

A comparison using like or as

Metaphor

A comparison not using like or as

Personification

Giving the characteristics of a person to something that is not alive

Juxtaposition

When two contradicting things are put together in order to impact the reader

Allusion

A hint given to the reader by referring to something else he/she/they might know. This is usually done by referring to another work of literature or a historical figure

Situational Irony

A combination of circumstances or a result that is opposite of what is or might be expected or considered appropriate

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something the character does not

Protagonist

The main character of a story - the one who the action follows

Antagonist

The person who opposes the protagonist - often the villain, but not always

External Conflict

Character vs. Character, Nature, Society, or Fate

Internal Conflict

Character vs. Self

Foreshadowing

Hints an author puts in a text about what is going to happen in the future

Symbolism

A link between an object and something abstract

Imagery

Words or phrases that help the reader imagine a scene by appealing to the 5 senses

Setting

A time and place in which the story takes place

Mood

The way the story makes you feel

Tone

The attitude of the author towards the subject

Characterization

The literary device used to highlight and explain details about a character in a story.

Direct Characterization

When the author specifically tells the reader about a character

Indirect Characterization

When the reader must infer information about the character

Dynamic Character

Characters that change

Static Character

Characters who stay the same

Exposition

The beginning of the story during which the characters and plot are set up

Rising Action

A series of events that move the plot along (usually when things get increasingly worse for the protagonist)

Climax

High point of character emotion and action

Falling Action

The action in the story after the climax - missing pieces start to fall into place, the story is set up for the resolution (in a short story, this is usually very brief)

Resolution

The outcome of the events in the story.