Literary Devices Flashcards
A device that uses symbols, characters, or events to represent abstract ideas or themes.
Allegory
The process by which a writer reveals the personality, traits, and motivations of a character in a story
Characterization
The struggle between opposing forces in a story, such as characters, ideas, or emotions. Can be internal or external.
Conflict
Internal conflict
Internal conflict is a struggle within a person’s mind over a problem or question.
External conflict
struggle that occurs between a character and an external (outside) force, such as another character, society, nature, or a situation.
The author’s choice and use of words in a literary work.
Diction
A shift in the narrative to a scene from an earlier time. It is a technique used to provide background information or to reveal important details about the plot or characters.
Flashback
A literary device that involves the use of a character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight certain qualities or traits of the other character.
Foil
The use of clues or hints to suggest what will happen later in the story.
Foreshadowing
The use of sensory details to create a vivid and concrete description of a scene, object, person, or idea.
Imagery
The emotional atmosphere or feeling that a work of literature creates for the reader.
Mood
The sequence of events that make up a story.
Plot
The perspective from which a story is told
Point of View
The time, place, and environment in which a story takes place.
Satire
A feeling of tension or anticipation in the reader
Suspense
A literary device where an object, action, or event represents a larger concept, idea or emotion
Symbolism
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
Syntax
The underlying message or meaning of a work of literature.
Theme
The author’s or narrator’s attitude towards the subject matter or audience.
Tone
