Literary Devices and Character Types: Definitions and Examples

Allusion

Reference to someone or something known from history, literature, religion, politics, sports, science, or another branch of culture.

Ambiguity

Deliberately suggesting two or more different, and sometimes conflicting, meanings in a work. An event or situation that may be interpreted in more than one way- - this is done on purpose by the author; when it is not done on purpose, it is vagueness and detracts from the work.

Anthropomrphism

Attributing human characteristics to an animal or inanimate object (similar to personification).

Archetype

A recurring symbol, character, landscape, or event found in myth and literature across different cultures and eras.

indirect characterization

The process by which the personality of a character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.

direct characterization

The process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives, phrases, or epithets.

static character

A character that does not change or show the capacity for change.

dynamic character

A character that changes or shows the capacity to change.

flat character

A one-dimensional character

round character

A character that has a fully developed personality with many traits.

Connotation

The associations and emotional overtones that have become attached to a word or phrase, in addition to its strict dictionary definition.

Dialect

A way of speaking that is characteristic of a certain social group or of the inhabitants of a certain geographical area.

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Foil

A character who acts as a contrast to another character. Often a funny side kick dashing hero, or a villain contrasting the hero.

Foreshadowing

A narrative device in which suggestion or warnings about events to come are dropped or planted.

Hubris

Extreme and reasonable pride or self confidence.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech that uses an incredible exaggeration or overstatement.

Metaphor

A comparison of 2 things without using like or as.

Irony

The expression of ones meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Parable

A simple story used to illlustrillustrateate a moral or spiritual lesson. (children's story)

Parody

A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular work, genre, or style, often exaggerating for effect.

Romanticism

An artistic movement seen in writing that values emotion and feeling over logic.

Satire

A type of writing that ridicules the shortcomings of people of institutions in an attempt to bring about a change.

Juxtaposition

Poetic and rhetorical device in which normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to one another, creating an effect of surprise and wit.