Figurative Language

Alliteration:

The repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of words in a phrase or sentence.

Allusion:

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

Analogy:

A comparison between two different things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.alogy:

Antagonist:

The character or force that opposes the protagonist; the "villain."

Apostrophe:

A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing.

Assonance

The repetition of a vowel sound in non-rhyming words.

Connotation:

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal definition.

Denotation:

The literal or dictionary definition of a word.

Dialect

The language used by the people of a specific area, class, or group, often including unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Diction:

A writer's choice of words, which contributes to the tone and style of a literary work.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that is developed over several lines or throughout an entire literary work. Unlike a regular metaphor, it continues the comparison in multiple ways.

Foil:

A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of the other character.

Foreshadowing:

A literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.

Hyperbole:

An exaggeration of an idea for the sake of emphasis.

Imagery:

Descriptive or figurative language that appeals to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, to create a vivid experience for the reader.

Indirect Characterization:

The process by which a character's personality is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, and what other characters say about them.

Irony:

A contrast or incongruity between expectations and reality. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something the characters do not. Situational irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens. Verbal irony is when what is said is the opposite of what is meant.

Juxtaposition:

The placement of two or more things side-by-side, often to compare or contrast them.

Metaphor:

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."

Motif:

A recurring element, idea, or image in a work of literature.

Paradox:

A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth.

Personification:

Giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or animals.

Protagonist

The main character in a story.

Pun

A play on words that have similar sounds but different meanings.

Repetition:

The repeating of a word, phrase, or sentence for emphasis or to create a rhythm.

Satire

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

Simile:

A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as."

Symbolism:

The use of objects or ideas to represent something else.

Syntax:

The way words are arranged to form sentences and phrases.

Theme

The central, underlying message or idea of a literary work.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience, as conveyed through word choice and style.