Identifying Literary Devices
“The wind whispered secrets through the trees.” Identify the device.
What is personification?
This device is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
This type of conflict occurs within a character’s mind.
What is internal conflict?
A story begins with a description of a snowy village in December. This is an example of what element?
What is setting?
This element describes how an author reveals character traits.
What is characterization?
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Identify the device.
What is alliteration?
This device uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis.
What is hyperbole?
This conflict involves a struggle between two characters.
What is man vs man?
The author writes, “John was selfish and arrogant.” What type of characterization is this?
What is direct characterization?
A character struggles with guilt after lying to a friend. What type of conflict is this?
What is man vs himself?
“Bang! The door slammed shut.” Identify the device.
What is onomatopoeia?
This device uses symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
What is symbolism?
This conflict occurs when a character faces forces of nature.
What is man vs environment?
A character slams the door and mutters under their breath after losing a game. What type of characterization is this?
What is indirect characterization (through actions)?
Other characters in the story call Sarah “the most generous person they know.” What type of characterization?
What is indirect characterization (through others’ opinions)?
“Her smile was as bright as the sun.” Identify the device.
What is simile?
This device uses a reference to another work of literature or history.
What is allusion?
This conflict pits a character against something that cannot be explained by logic or science.
What is man vs supernatural?
“The sky was dark and heavy, and the wind howled through the empty streets.” What mood does this create?
What is ominous or scary?
A narrator knows the thoughts of all characters. What point of view is this?
What is third person omniscient?
“Time is a thief that steals our moments.” Identify the device.
What is a metaphor?
This is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms to create a unique or thought-provoking expression.
What is oxymoron?
This conflict involves a character opposing what people view as the norm.
What is man vs society?
Other characters in the story call Sarah “the most generous person they know.” What type of characterization?
What is indirect characterization (through others’ opinions)?
A character faces a prophecy that predicts their downfall. What type of conflict?
What is man vs supernatural?