Lit Devices E-H
Lit Device I-M
Lit Devices, N-P
Lit Devices, Random
100

Narrative mode where the story is told with pronouns like "I" and "me" providing insights directly from a main character's perspective. 

First-Person Point of View

100

This literature device occurs when the author uses words and phrases to create mental images for the reader, using the five senses. 

Imagery

100

Formation of a word from the sound associated with what it is named, such as "buzz, click, or meow." 

Onomatopoeia

100

The emotional feeling the writer creates for the reader. 

Mood

200
A literary device used to give background information that is important to the plot. 

Flashback

200

A direct comparison between two unlike things that have something in common.

Metaphor

200

 A main character's most powerful and destructive enemy. 

Nemesis

200

The intentional misuse of a word by confusing it with a similar-sounding word, resulting in a humorous effect. 

Hint: The name of this literary device translates to "Bad props." 

Malapropism

300

A literary device used to give clues to suggest future events. 

Foreshadowing

300

A compound expression used in place of a more straightforward noun, often found in Old English and Norse poetry

Kenning

300

A humorous imitation of a legitimate piece of literature, or other work of art that exaggerates for comedic effect. 

Parody

300

Excessive Pride or self-confidence, often leading to the downfall of a main character. 

Hubris

400

The author creates a character whose primary purpose is to create a a contrast to a major character.

Foil

400

A long speech by a single character in a play, film, or other dramatic work that reveals their thoughts, emotions, or motivations to other characters. 

Monologue

400
A statement that appears contradictory but may reveal a truth, such as "silence speaks volumes." 

Paradox

400

A figure of speech that involved exaggerated statements that are not meant to be taken literally. They are used for dramatic effect. 

Example, Bruno Mars "I'd catch a grenade for ya..." 

Hyperbole

500
A category of artistic composition as in literature, media, music, or art characterized by similarities in form, style or subject matter. 

Genre

500

A figure of speech in which one thing is referred to by the name of something closely associated to it, such as using the "The White House" to mean the U.S. President. 

Metonymy

500

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms or ideas to create a paradoxical effect. 

Example: "He's long gone, when he's next to me..." 

Oxymoron

500

A group of words whose meaning is not understandable from the the literal meaning of the individual words.

Example "Fight Fire with Fire." 

Idiom