LITERARY DEVICES (ELEMENTS AND TECHNIQUES)

OF FICTION

Setting (element) The setting of a story is

the time and place in which it occurs.

Elements of setting may include the physical, psychological, cultural, or historical background against which the story takes place.

Characterization Characterization is the creation of

imaginary persons so that they seem lifelike. There are two fundamental methods of characterization.

Direct Characterization The explicit presentation by the author

of the character through direct description, either in an introductory block or more often piecemeal throughout the work.

Indirect Characterization The presentation of a character in

action, with little or no explicit comment by the author, in the expectation that the reader can deduce the attributes of the character from his/her actions.

Types of Characters (element)

Static character—a character who remains primarily the same during the course of a story or novel

Dynamic character—a character which changes during the course of a story or novel

Types of Characters Flat character—a two-dimensional and

relatively uncomplicated character who does not change throughout a story or novel

Round character—a well developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits

Stock Character—a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable (stereotypical)

ToneTone is a reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s

attitude toward a subject of a poem, story, or other literary work. Tone may be communicated through words and details that express particular emotions and that evoke and emotional response from the reader.

For example, word choice or phrasing may seem to convey respect, anger, lightheartedness, or sarcasm.

Mood The mood of a

story is the

atmosphere or

feeling created by

the writer and

expressed through

setting.

ConflictConflict is the struggle between

opposing forces in a story or play. There are two types of conflict that exist in literature.

Internal ConflictInternal conflict exists within the mind of a

character who is torn between different courses of action.

Character vs. self

External ConflictExternal conflict exists when a character

struggles against some outside force, such as another character, nature, society, or fate.

Character vs. characterCharacter vs. societyCharacter vs. Nature

Theme (element) The theme is the central or universal idea

of a piece of fiction; it is a perception about

life and the human condition.

An implicit theme refers to the author’s ability to

construct a piece in such a way that through

inference the reader understands the theme.

Figurative Language (technique)

Types of Characters Protagonist—the story’s main character

Antagonist—a character in opposition of the protagonist

Foreshadowing (technique)

Foreshadowing is the presentation of material in a work in such a way that later events are prepared for. The purpose of foreshadowing is to prepare the reader or viewer for action to come.

Foreshadowing can result from the establishment of a mood or atmosphere, an event that hints at the later action,the appearance of physical objects or facts, or the revelation of a fundamental and decisive character

trait.

Symbol An item that stands for something else.

What are these items symbols of?EagleDoveBlack cats

Point of View The point of view is the perspective from

which the events in the story are told. The author may choose to use any of the following:

First personThird-person limitedThird-person omniscient

Point of View First person/subjective—The narrator

restricts the perspective to that of only one character to tell the story.Signal pronouns—I, we, us

Point of View Third-person limited—The narrator

restricts his knowledge to one character’s view or behavior.Signal pronouns—he, she, they

Point of View Third-person omniscient—The narrator

tells the story in third person from an all-knowing perspective. The knowledge is not limited by any one character’s view or behavior, as the narrator knows everything about all characters.Signal pronouns—he, she, they

PLOTLINE

ExpositionResolution

Ris

ing

Actio

n

Climax

Falling Action

Conflict Introduced

ExpositionThe Exposition is the

introduction. It is the part of the work that introduces the characters, setting, and basic situation.

Rising ActionRising Action is the part of the

plot that begins to occur as soon as the conflict is introduced. The rising action adds complications to the conflict and increases reader interest.

ClimaxThe Climax is the point of

greatest emotional intensity, interest, or suspense in the plot of a narrative. The climax typically comes at the turning point in a story or drama.

Falling Action

Falling Action is the action that typically follows the climax and reveals its results.

ResolutionThe Resolution is the part of the

plot that concludes the falling action by revealing or suggesting the outcome of the conflict.