Literary Elements and Techniques

What is a literary element?

A literary element is a universal structural component of literature that is found in every piece of writing. Examples include plot, character, setting, and theme.

What is a literary technique?

A literary technique is an intentional tool used by a writer to create a specific effect in their writing. Examples include metaphor, simile, imagery, and symbolism.

Plot

The sequence of events in a story; the storyline.

Character

The individuals who inhabit and take part in a story.

Setting

The time and place in which a story occurs.

Theme

The central idea, underlying message, or main meaning that an author explores in a story, often about life or human nature.

Point of View (POV)

The perspective from which a story is told. Common types include first-person (using 'I') and third-person (using 'he,' 'she,' 'they').

Conflict

The struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot of a story. Types include character vs. character, character vs. self, character vs. nature, character vs. society, and character vs. technology.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.' For example, 'The classroom was a zoo.'

Simile

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as.' For example, 'Her smile was as bright as the sun.'

Personification

Attributing human qualities or actions to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas. For example, 'The wind whispered secrets through the trees.'

Imagery

The use of descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) to create vivid mental pictures. For example, 'The scent of pine needles filled the crisp, cool air.'

Symbolism

The use of objects, people, or ideas to represent something else, often a more abstract idea. For example, a dove might symbolize peace.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues given by the author about future events in the story.

Irony

A literary technique involving a contrast or discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, or between what happens and what is expected to happen. There are verbal, situational, and dramatic irony.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same beginning consonant sound in words close together. For example, 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.'

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. For example, 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.'

Allusion

An indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work that the audience is expected to know. For example, 'He was a real Romeo with the ladies.'

Mood

The overall atmosphere or emotional feeling created by a literary work, affecting the reader.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject matter or audience, expressed through word choice and style.

Idiom

A phrase whose literal meaning is different from its understood meaning. “It’s raining cats and dogs”