Structural and literary techniques

Alliteration

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words to convey a particular mood, atmosphere, or emotion.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds to convey a particular mood, atmosphere, or emotion, similar to alliteration.

Colloquial Language

Characteristically informal language found in speech and writing, particularly in everyday conversation.

Connotation

Words with underlying meanings or emotional overtones.

Consonance

The repetition of consonant sounds in the middle or at the ends of words to convey a particular mood or emphasize a point.

Denotation

The literal meaning of a word.

Euphemism

A mild expression used to replace a blunt or embarrassing statement.

Figure of Speech

Decorative and colorful language used not in its usual sense.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement for emphasis.

Innuendo

An indirect way of saying something critical.

Irony

A statement signifying the opposite for tension, drama, or humor.

Metaphor

A figure of speech containing an implied comparison to add emphasis.

Onomatopoeia

A word mimicking the sound it describes.

Paradox

A statement seeming contradictory but holding truth.

Personification

Giving human qualities to a non-human object.

Rhetorical Question

A question not meant to be answered, used for effect.

Rhyme

The repetition of words that sound the same for mood or emphasis.

Sarcasm

A form of irony used for humor or ridicule.

Satire

Using humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize flaws or ideas.

Simile

A figure of speech using comparisons with 'like' or 'as'.

Symbolism

Giving deeper meaning to a person, object, situation, or event.

Sibilance

Repetition of consonants producing hissing or breathy sounds.

Simple Sentence

Contains one clause with a subject and verb.

Compound Sentence

Contains two related independent clauses joined with a conjunction.

Complex Sentence

Contains one or more subordinate clauses.

Impact Sentence

Contains three or fewer words.

Repetition

Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis.

Tricolon

Three parallel clauses, phrases, or words in quick succession.

Juxtaposition

Placing two things together to highlight contrast.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

Listing

Writing a number of connected items one after the other for emphasis.

Links between Paragraphs

A recurring idea, character, or object in two or more paragraphs.

Shifts in Focus

Changing focus within or between paragraphs.

Zooming in and Out

Narrowing or widening the narrative focus.

Chronological

Arranged in the order of time.

Flashback/Flashforward

Set earlier or later than the main narrative.

Cyclical Structure

A narrative following a circular pattern connecting the end to the beginning.

Climax

The most intense point in the narrative development.

Narrative Voice

1st, 2nd, or 3rd person perspective.

Direct Speech

The speech of a character in quotation marks.

Foreshadowing

An advance hint of what is to come later.

Exposition

Introduction of background information on characters, events, or settings.

Tense

Past present and future