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Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
Alliteration
The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
Personification
The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.
A word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation.
Euphemism
An indirect, “polite” way of describing something too inappropriate or awkward to address directly.
Dramatic irony
When the readers know more about the situation going on than at least one of the characters involved. This creates a difference between the ways the audience and the characters perceive unfolding events.
Foreshadowing
When the author hints at events to come in the story.
When the narrative provides background information in order to help the reader understand what’s going on.
Flashback
Move to a scene in a movie, novel, etc. that is set in a time earlier than the main story.
Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement that emphasizes the significance of the statement’s actual meaning.
Imagery
Appeals to readers’ senses through highly descriptive language
Irony
Creates a contrast between how things seem and how they really are.
Juxtaposition
Places two or more dissimilar characters, themes, concepts, etc. side by side, and the profound contrast highlights their differences.
Paradox
A situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.
Metaphor
Compares two similar things by saying that one of them is the other (does not use "like" or "as.")
Similie
A comparison using the words "like" or "as."
Motif
Recurs throughout the novel and helps develop the theme of the narrative. This might be a symbol, concept, or image.
Satire
To make fun of some aspect of human nature or society — usually through exaggeration, ridicule, or irony.
Point of View
The mode of narration in a story (first, second, or third-person.)
Symbol
To represent abstract concepts and ideas in their stories Typically derive from objects or non-humans — for instance, a dove might represent peace, or raven might represent death.
Soliloquy
Involves a character speaking their thoughts aloud, usually at length (and often in a Shakespeare play).
Oxymoron
When two contradictory words that describe one thing.
Onomatopoeia
Refers to words that sound like the thing they’re referring to. Well-known instances of onomatopoeia include whiz, buzz, snap, grunt, etc.
Malapropism
When similar-sounding words replace their appropriate counterparts, typically to comic effect.
The overall mood and message of your book.