Literary Devices

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Antagonist

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This is the character or force that works against the main character in a story. They cause problems or challenges for the main character. They are not always bad but they stop the hero from reaching their goal.

Example: In Harry Potter, Voldemort is the ____ because he fights Harry.

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Characterization

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This is how a writer shows what a character is like. This can be done by telling us directly or by showing the character’s actions, words, or what other people say about them.

Example: If a character helps others, it shows they are kind.

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Climax

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This is the most exciting or important part of the story. It is when the main problem is about to be solved or the main character faces their biggest challenge.

Example: In The Lion King, this is when Simba fights Scar.

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Conflict

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This is a main problem in the story. It can be between people, nature, society, or inside a person’s mind. It makes the story interesting.

Example: A character afraid to try something new has an internal _____.

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Dialogue

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This is the talking between characters. It helps us understand what the characters are like and moves the story forward.

Example: This can be two friends talking about their plans.

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Diction

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This is the choice of words a writer uses. It helps create the feeling or mood of the story and shows the style of the writer or character.

Example: Using formal words makes a story sound serious.

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Exposition

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This is the beginning of a story where the writer gives important background information like where and when the story happens and who the characters are.

Example: The start of a story telling about the town and the main character.

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Falling Action

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This is what happens after the climax. It shows what happens because of the big event and starts to wrap up the story.

Example: After the big fight, the characters fix things.

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Flashback

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This is when the story goes back in time to show something that happened before the main events. It helps explain why things are the way they are.

Example: A character remembering a happy day from childhood.

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Foreshadowing

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This happens when it gives clues about what will happen later in the story. It helps prepare the reader for future events.

Example: Dark clouds might mean trouble is coming.