Literary Elements
The sequence of events in a story, including conflict and resolution
Plot
A struggle between two characters
Man vs. Man
The author directly tells the reader what a character is like
Direct Characterization
A comparison using “like” or “as”
Simile
The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience
Tone
The time and place in which a story occurs
Setting
A struggle within a character’s own mind
Man vs. Self
The author shows a character’s traits through actions, thoughts, or dialogue
Indirect Characterization
A direct comparison saying one thing is another
Metaphor
The feeling or atmosphere created for the reader
Mood
The central struggle between opposing forces in a story
Conflict
A character struggles against social norms or rules
Man vs. Society
A character who does not change throughout the story
Static Character
Giving human traits to non-human things
Personification
The author’s choice of words
Diction
A person, animal, or figure in a story
Character
A character faces natural forces like storms or animals
Man vs. Nature
A character who changes or grows during the story
Dynamic Character
An extreme exaggeration for effect
Hyperbole
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses
Imagery
The underlying message, lesson, or main idea of a story
Theme
A character struggles against machines or scientific advancements
Man vs. Technology
The main character and the character or force opposing them.
Protagonist AND Antagonist
Repetition of initial consonant sounds in words
Alliteration
The arrangement of words and sentences
Syntax