Literary Terms and Devices

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Alliteration

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The repetition of consonant sounds in two or more words close or immediate succession (Ex. The grass was green; lacy lilting lady)

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Allusion

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An indirect reference to an historical or literary figure or event or place.

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Antagonist

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A character who opposes the protagonist.

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Characterization

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How a writer depicts a character either directly or indirectly.

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Conflict

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Two or more opposing forces. Internal: Man v Self. External: Man v Society, Man, Nature, Time, animal, machine, circumstance.

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Figurative language

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Language based on or using figures of speech; not literal but metaphorical.

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Flashback

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A scene which takes the reader to an earlier part of the story.

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Flat Character

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A character that stays the same.

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Foreshadowing

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Hints about events to come in a work of literature.

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Hyperbole

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Exaggeration to create a special effect, as in 'I can think of a million reasons for refusing your request.' or 'I will love you until the end of time.'