Literary Devices
The author directly describes a character by stating the character's traits
direct characterization
a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character
[character foil]
a hero whose deeds are chronicled in an epic
epic hero
The appeal of a text to the credibility and character of the speaker, writer, or narrator
ethos
the use of vivid, concrete details
imagery
A recurring subject, theme, or idea in a literary work.
motif
a long speech spoken by a single character to himself or herself or to the audience
monologue
involves a long journey, full of complications
epic plot
Phrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other
parallelism
Repetition of initial consonant sounds
alliteration
Irony involving a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was expected.
situational irony
Along speech in which a character talks to himself or herself or reveals his or her thoughts without addressing a listener.
Soliloquy
A basic pattern (detail, image, or character type) that occurs frequently in literature and myth
archetype
a question asked for an effect, not actually requiring an answer
rhetorical question
A comparison of two unlike things without using the word like or as.
metaphor
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
allegory
a protagonist with a fatal flaw which eventually leads to his demise
tragic hero
any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality
epithet
an appeal based on logic or reason
logos
A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes
personification
A feeling of uncertainty and curiosity about what will happen next in a story; key element in fiction and drama; "hook" writer uses to keep audience interested
suspense
A remark or passage by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but unheard by the other characters in the play.
aside
A simile developed over several lines of verse, esp. one used in an epic poem.
epic simile
the art of using language effectively and persuasively
rhetoric
A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor
hyperbole