Figurative Language and Short Story Elements: Definitions, Examples, and Types

Allegory

A story, poem, or image with a hidden moral, spiritual, or political meaning.

Euphemism

A polite or mild word used to replace a harsh or unpleasant one.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis.

Irony

A contrast between expectations and reality.

Situational Irony

When what happens is the opposite of what is expected.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something the characters do not.

Verbal Irony

When someone says the opposite of what they mean.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates a sound.

Oxymoron

A phrase that combines two contradictory words.

Personification

Giving human qualities to animals or objects.

Pun

A humorous play on words with double meanings.

Simile

A comparison using like or as.

Symbolism

Using symbols to represent deeper ideas or meanings.

Understatement

Making something seem less important than it really is.

Characters

The people, animals, or figures in the story.

Protagonist

Main character.

Antagonist

Opposes the main character.

Static

Does not change.

Dynamic

Undergoes change.

Conflict

The struggle or problem in the story.

Man vs. Man

Conflict between characters.

Man vs. Self

Internal struggle.

Man vs. Society

Character vs. rules/norms.

Man vs. Nature

Survival against natural forces.

Man vs. Technology

Struggle with machines or science.

Setting

The time and place where the story happens.

Resolution

The outcome of the conflict.

Theme

The central idea or message of the story.

Point of View

The perspective from which the story is told.

Style

The author's way of writing.

Plot

The sequence of events in a story.

Exposition

Introduces characters, setting, and background.

Rising Action

Builds suspense; conflict develops.

Climax

Turning point; the most exciting or intense moment.

Falling Action

Events leading toward resolution.

Denouement (Resolution)

Conflict ends, loose ends tied up.