Literary Devices and Narrative Techniques for Analyzing Texts

Ambiguity

the presence of multiple, valid interpretations of a word, phrase, or passage within a text.

Anachronism

the placement of something (a person, object, idea, custom, or event) that is out of its proper historical time period.

Archetype

a recurring symbol, character, or pattern that represents universal human experiences and ideas.

Connotation

the implied, suggested, or associated meaning of a word beyond its literal or dictionary definition (denotation).

Denotation

the literal or dictionary definition of a word.

Details

specific pieces of information, often factual, that contribute to the reader's understanding of a text.

Epigraph

a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other literary work to set tone, suggest theme, or provide context.

Flashback

a literary device that interrupts the chronological order of a narrative to depict a scene or event from the past.

Foreshadowing

a literary device where authors use hints and clues to suggest events that will occur later in the story.

Imagery

the use of descriptive language appealing to the five senses to create a vivid mental picture or sensory experience.

Tactile

imagery that evokes the sense of touch (texture, temperature, sensation).

Gustatory

imagery that evokes the sense of taste, including flavor, texture, and sensations of eating.

Visual

imagery using descriptive language to create a mental picture focusing on sight.

Olfactory

imagery that evokes the sense of smell.

Auditory

imagery that evokes a sense of sound, allowing readers to 'hear' described sounds.

In media res

starting in the middle of the plot.

Mood

the feeling or atmosphere created for the reader.

Moral

a text's ethical implication or lesson.

Motif

a recurring element that contributes to a theme.

Parable

a short allegorical story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson.

Syntax

how words and phrases are structured in writing.

Theme

the underlying message a work conveys.

Tone

the author's attitude toward the subject.

Allegory

a story that represents abstract ideas, morals, or political messages.

Allusion

a reference to a famous person, event, text, or thing.

Apostrophe

when a speaker addresses an absent person, object, or idea.

Euphemism

a mild or indirect word substituted for a harsh or blunt one.

Hyperbole

exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Irony

a contrast between what is said and what actually happens.

Dramatic Irony

when the audience knows something the characters do not.

Verbal Irony

when what is said is opposite of what is meant.

Situational Irony

when events turn out opposite of expectations.

Romantic Irony

when there is heavy build-up but the outcome flops.

Metaphor

a comparison without using like or as.

Direct Metaphor

a straightforward comparison between two things.

Indirect Metaphor

an implied comparison between two things.

Extended Metaphor

a comparison developed over several lines or paragraphs.

Metonymy

referring to something by the name of something closely associated with it.

Oxymoron

contradictory words used together for deeper meaning.

Paradox

a contradictory statement with underlying truth.

Personification

giving human traits to inanimate objects or abstract ideas.

Pun

a play on words with multiple meanings or similar sounds.

Simile

a comparison using like or as.

Epic Simile

a simile extended over several lines.

Symbol

an object, person, or event that represents a larger idea.

Synaesthesia

describing one sense using terms of another (e.g., 'loud colors').

Synecdoche

using a part to represent a whole (e.g., "all hands on deck")

Understatement

downplaying something for effect, opposite of hyperbole.

Alliteration

repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Antecedent

the word, phrase, or clause a pronoun refers to.

Conceit

an extended metaphor between dissimilar things.

Contrast

a difference that highlights opposing qualities.

Metaphysical Conceit

a complex and elaborate extended metaphor, often philosophical.

Meter

the rhythmic structure of a line of poetry.

Referent

the thing a word or phrase represents in a text.

Rhyme

repetition of sounds; masculine (final syllable) or feminine (penultimate syllable).

Shift

a change in mood, tone, or focus in a text.

Stanza

a grouped set of lines in a poem (like a paragraph).

Structure

the organization of a piece of writing.

Bildungsroman

a coming-of-age novel focusing on psychological/moral growth.

Climax

the turning point or moment of highest tension in a narrative.

Conflict

struggle between opposing forces driving the plot.

Internal Conflict

a struggle within a character.

External Conflict

a struggle with outside forces.

Denouement

the resolution or conclusion of a narrative.

Epiphany

a sudden realization that changes a character's perspective.

Epistolary

a novel written in letters, diaries, or documents.

Exposition

introduction providing background info on characters and setting.

Falling Action

events after the climax leading toward resolution.

Gothic Romance

a story with suspense, horror, mystery, and romance in a decaying setting.

Inciting Incident

the event that sets the central conflict in motion.

Metafiction

fiction that draws attention to its own artificiality (breaking the fourth wall).

Motivation

reasons behind a character's actions.

Narrative Pace

the speed at which the story unfolds.

Plot

the sequence of events revealing character in action.

Resolution

the end of the story where conflict is resolved.

Rising Action

events building up tension before climax.

Setting

the time and place of a story, including social/historical context.

Stream of Consciousness

a narrative capturing unstructured flow of thoughts/feelings.

Quixotic

idealistic but impractical.

Antagonist

the character or force opposing the protagonist.

Agency

a character's ability to make choices and act independently.

Catharsis

emotional release or purification experienced by the reader.

Characterization

the methods an author uses to develop a character.

Direct Characterization

explicit description of character traits.

Indirect Characterization

showing traits through actions, dialogue, etc.

Dynamic Character

a character who undergoes significant internal change.

Foil Character

a character who contrasts with another to highlight traits.

Hamartia

a tragic flaw or mistake leading to downfall.

Hubris

excessive pride or arrogance leading to downfall.

Perspective

how a character views themselves, their world, or their role.

Protagonist

the main character driving the narrative.

First Person POV

narration using "I" or "we," biased by personal perspective.

First Person Primary

the narrator is the protagonist.

First Person Secondary

the narrator is a character-observer, not the protagonist.

Second Person POV

narration using "you," creating immediacy.

Third Person POV

narration using "he," "she," "they."},{

Third Person Limited

narrator only identifies with one character; one sided view of action

Third Person Omniscient

godlike; narrator sees into minds of every character

Third Person Objective

like a camera recording the surroundings; sees everything from outside and only external hints about characters