Literary Devices and Narrative Elements: A Study Guide for Fiction Analysis

Frame Story

Leads readers from a first story into another, smaller one (or several ones) within it.

Theme

The central or universal idea of a piece of fiction; it is a perception about life and the human condition.

Symbols

Characters, settings, images, or other motifs that represent bigger ideas. Authors often use symbols (or symbolism) to give their work more meaning and to make a story be about more than the events it describes.

Motif

A recurring symbol that has significance within a story.

Setting

The time and place in which it occurs. Elements of setting may include the physical, psychological, cultural, or historical background against which the story takes place.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject.

Mood

How we are made to feel as readers, or the emotion evoked by the author.

Flashback

A literary device by which a work presents material that occurred prior to the opening scene.

Foreshadowing

The presentation of material in a work in such a way that later events are prepared for. The purpose of foreshadowing is to prepare the reader or viewer for action to come.

Verbal irony

The words literally state the opposite of the writer's (or speaker's) true meaning (sarcasm).

Situational Irony

Events turn out the opposite of what was expected. What the characters and audience think should happen isn't what eventually happens.

Dramatic irony

The audience perceives something that a character in the story does not know.

Satire

A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, mockery, or wit. Used to attack or expose folly (foolish behavior), vice (immoral behavior), or stupidity.

Allusion

A reference within a literary work to another work of literature, art, or real event. The reference is often brief and implied.

Narrator

The teller of a story.

Reliable narrator

The reader accepts the statements of fact and judgment without serious question.

Unreliable narrator

The reader questions or seeks to qualify the statements of fact and judgment.

Point of View

Refers to who is telling or narrating a story (the story is not always told from the POV of the author). A story can be told from the first person, second person or third person point of view.

First person

The main character is telling the story ('I,' 'me' or 'we').

Second person

Narrator is speaking to the reader ('you,' 'your,' and 'yours').

Third person

External narrator telling the story ('he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'they').

Characterization

The description of a character's physical traits (how a character looks), personality, thoughts, and actions.

Indirect characterization

Describes a character through their thoughts, actions, speech, and dialogue.

Direct characterization

Describes the character through their physical description, line of work, or passions and pursuits.

Dynamic character

A character which changes during the course of a story or novel.

Static character

A character who remains primarily the same during the course of a story or novel.

Round character

A well developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits.

Flat character

A two-dimensional and relatively uncomplicated character who does not change throughout a story or novel.

Stock Character

A special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable (stereotypical).

Protagonist

The story's main character.

Antagonist

A character in opposition of the protagonist.

Secondary Characters

Sidekick/loyal friend, one who furthers the plot, the wise counsel.

Character Foil

A secondary character who contrasts with the protagonist in order to highlight aspects of the main character's personality.

Conflict

The opposition of persons or forces that brings about dramatic action central to the plot of a story.

Character versus Character

A conflict between one character and another.

Character versus Nature

A conflict between a character and a force of nature.

Character versus Society

A conflict between a character and the values, beliefs, and/or customs of a larger group.

Character versus Self

An internal psychological conflict within a character.

Exposition

Background information about the protagonist in normal life.

Inciting Incident (Conflict)

Something happens that creates a problem for the protagonist.

Rising Action

The sequence of events that happen as a result of the conflict. These usually get more intense over time.

Climax

The most exciting part of the story; the turning point.

Falling Action

The events that happen after the climax.

Denouement (Resolution)

Loose ends tied up/ a peek at how things have changed.