Literary Devices

Front

Hinting at what is to come.

Back

foreshadowing

Front

Unexpected occurrence or statement.

Back

irony

Front

Recurring feature in a work that develops its theme.

Back

motif

Front

Source of conflict in literature.

Back

antagonist

Front

Background info at the start

Back

exposition

Front

An object, person, or place representing something else

Back

symbolism

Front

Author's method of developing character personalities

Back

characterization

Front

Effects of the climax

Back

falling action

Front

Emotional atmosphere of a piece – how the reader feels

Back

mood

Front

Description using the five senses

Back

imagery