Literary Devices

A figure of speech in which a thing, an idea, or an animal is given human attributes.

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Simile

• Foreshadowing

Exaggerated claims that are not meant to be taken literally

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

• Paradox

• Flashback

A figure of speech in which two unlike things are being compared.

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Paradox

What is expected or intended is different from what actually happens.

• Paradox

• Metaphor

• Situational Irony

• Hyperbole

A statement that seems to contradict itself, but reveals a deeper truth through its contradiction.

• Paradox

• Metaphor

• Foreshadowing

• Indirect Characterization

When a character’s personality or appearance is being described in literature.

• Characterization

• Metaphor

• Indirect characterization

• Foreshadowing

When the author mentions or does hints at something that will happen later in the story.

• Flashback

• Hyperbole

• Conflict

• Foreshadowing

A figure of speech which makes a direct, implied, or hidden comparison between two things or objects.

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Personification

• Simile

A statement that suggests the opposite of what is meant.

• Metaphor

• Sarcasm

• Conflict

• Simile

A literary element that involves a struggle between two or more characters or forces.

• Sarcasm

• Metaphor

• Conflict

• Foreshadowing