English 1 Literary Devices

the sequence of events in a story

• plot

• conflict

• mood

• juxtaposition

the central idea (about people or society) in a work of literature

• plot

• theme

• symbolism

• point of view

a struggle within a character (between their needs, desires, or emotions)

• external conflict

• internal conflict

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

a struggle between a character and an outside force

• internal conflict

• external conflict

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

the main character in a story

• protagonist

• direct character

• indirect character

• antagonist

a character or force in conflict with the main character

• protagonist

• direct character

• indirect character

• antagonist

a feeling or atmosphere a writer creates for the reader

• mood

• tone

• foreshadowing

• setting

a narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.

• foreshadowing

• flashback

• point of view

• internal conflict

a device in literature in which an object represents an idea (like the old, black box that represents the old, outdated tradition in "The Lottery")

• metaphor

• symbolism

• hyperbole

• personification

the perspective from which the story is told

• point of view

• plot

• conflict

• direct characterization