Literary Elements

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Onomatopoeia

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Sound words that imitate the natural sounds of a thing (e.g., buzz, hiss, roar).

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Simile

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A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'Ava was as sweet as pie').

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Plot

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The sequence of events and actions that make up a story.

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Metaphor

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A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'Time is a thief').

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Oxymoron

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A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms (e.g., 'heavy feather').

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Theme

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The central idea or underlying message in a literary work.

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Characterization

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The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

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Setting

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The time and place in which the story takes place.

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Symbolism

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The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities (e.g., a dove symbolizes peace).

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Imagery

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Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates mental images.