P.O.V
While I was brushing my teeth, I noticed that my back molar was loose.
first person
This initial part of the story introduces the main characters, setting, and the inciting incident that kicks off the conflict.
exposition
Often confused with tone, this is the overall emotional atmosphere or feeling created within the reader by a piece of writing.
mood
Diction is defined as an author's purposeful and intentional choice of
words/ language
What literary device is being used here?
The cafeteria line moved as slow as a herd of snails.
simile
My owner, Jordan, takes me to the dog park. We play fetch there.
first person
During this phase of the story, the conflict builds, stakes get higher, and obstacles arise to prevent the protagonist from reaching their goal.
rising action
The shadows lengthened across the rotting porch as the wind howled through the cracked windows.
scary (or spooky / suspenseful / ominous) mood
Who is being bossy?
The toddler marched into the living room and demanded juice.
the toddler
What literary device is being used here?
The moon was a silver coin resting on a velvet blanket.
metaphor
"Would you try to land on your feet or your head?" Rufus asked, forcing Brian to look over the edge of the skyscraper.
second person
This is the turning point of highest tension or drama where the main conflict must be faced and decided one way or another.
climax
Authors primarily rely on imagery, setting, and this specific literary element—defined as the author's intentional choice of words—to build the story's mood.
diction/ word choice
“The wind screamed through the night, tearing branches from the trees.”
The author chose these violent, aggressive verbs instead of calmer words to establish what kind of mood.
intense, scary, threatening
What literary device is being used here?
The ancient car groaned, coughed, and shuddered before finally dying in the driveway.
personification
"Harry felt his heart race as the creature approached, while Hermione stood frozen, her expression unreadable." This clue shows the perspective is restricted to this many characters' internal thoughts.
one
This stage immediately follows the turning point, showing the immediate aftermath and consequences of the story's biggest confrontation.
falling action
Golden sunlight danced across the sparkling brook while laughter echoed through the meadow.
cheerful (or happy / peaceful / whimsical) mood
“The old house was not just dirty; it was decaying, rancid, and infested.”
The author upgrades the description from dirty to these extreme words to evoke this specific feeling
disgust, dislike
What literary device is being used here?
The classroom was a zoo during the fire drill.
metaphor
Meaning "all-knowing," this is the literal Latin translation of the word
Omniscient
Derived from a French word meaning "the untying of a knot," this final element wraps up the loose ends and shows the new reality for the characters.
denouement (or resolution)
The grandfather clock ticked slow and heavy in the corner. Outside, a thick grey fog pressed against the glass, swallowing the streetlights. Marcus sat alone by the cold fireplace, staring at the empty chair across from him.
gloomy (or melancholic / somber / lonely) mood
“We must dismantle this systematic injustice and forge a path toward unity.”
A political speaker chooses active, heavy verbs like dismantle and forge instead of fix and make to inspire this response from the audience:
action, motivation
What 2 literary devices are being used here?
The alarm clock screamed at me to wake up, its loud buzz stabbing my brain like a dagger.
personification and simile