Literary Techniques
A figure of speech that compares two things without using "like" or "as"
Metaphor
A combination of two contradictory or opposite words
Oxymoron
Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story
Foreshadowing
The sequence of events that make up a story
Plot
The character or force that opposes the protagonist
Antagonist
A figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as"
Simile
Giving Human qualities to non-human things or abstract concepts
Personification
The repeated use of a word, phrase, or structure for emphasis
Repetition
The time, place, and environment in which a story takes place
Setting
The turning point or most intense moment in the story
Climax
A word that imitates the natural sound of a thing
Onomatopeia
A phrase whose meaning is not literal, but understood through common use
Idiom
A contrast between expectation and reality
Irony
The way an author develops characters in a story
Characterization
The struggle or problem that drives the plot forward
Conflict
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in a sequence
Alliteration
A reference to another text, event, or figure
Allusion
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses
Imagery
The perspective from which the story is told
Point of view
The choice of words and style of expression used by the author
Diction
An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally
Hyperbole
A story with two levels of meaning-literal and symbolic
Allegory
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities
Symbolism
The main character of a story, often a hero or one who faces challenges
Protagonist
The central idea or message of a story
Theme