11 Literary Terms DICTIONARY

1. Metaphor

A metaphor compares one thing to another without using like or as. It creates vivid meaning by connecting ideas.
Example: Time is a thief.

2. Simile

A simile compares two things using like or as. It makes descriptions clearer and more relatable.
Example: Her smile is like sunshine.

3. Irony

Irony is when the real meaning is different from the expected meaning. It creates surprise or humor.
Example: A fire station catches fire.

4. Symbolism

Symbolism uses objects or actions to represent deeper ideas. It adds emotional or thematic layers.
Example: A dove symbolizes peace.

5. Theme

A theme is the central idea or message of a story. It reflects the deeper meaning behind events.
Example: A story exploring the cost of greed.

6. Imagery

Imagery uses descriptive language that appeals to the senses. It helps the reader visualize scenes.
Example: The warm bread smelled sweet and buttery.

7. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing hints at events that will happen later. It builds anticipation.
Example: Dark clouds appear before a tragic event.

8. Hyperbole

Hyperbole exaggerates something for emphasis. It creates strong emotional impact.
Example: I waited a million years.

9. Personification

Personification gives human qualities to non human things. It makes descriptions lively.
Example: The wind whispered through the trees.

10. Alliteration

Alliteration repeats the same starting sound in nearby words. It adds rhythm and flow.
Example: Silver snakes slid silently.

11. Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia uses words that imitate sounds. It makes scenes feel real and dynamic.
Example: The bees buzzed loudly.

12. Motif

A motif is a recurring image or idea that reinforces the theme. It creates unity in a story.
Example: Repeated mentions of light showing hope.

13. Plot Twist

A plot twist is an unexpected change in the story direction. It shocks and engages readers.
Example: The hero discovers the villain is his friend.

14. Conflict

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces. It drives the story forward.
Example: A character fighting against unfair rules.

15. Tone

Tone is the writer’s attitude toward the subject. It can be serious, playful, or angry.
Example: A sarcastic tone in a rant.

16. Mood

Mood is the feeling a story creates for the reader. It influences emotional atmosphere.
Example: A dark and tense mood during a chase scene.

17. Dialogue

Dialogue is the spoken exchange between characters. It reveals personality and moves the story.
Example: Friends arguing about a secret.

18. Narrative

A narrative is the structure of how the story is told. It includes order, voice, and viewpoint.
Example: A story told from the perspective of a child.

19. Point of View

Point of view decides who is telling the story. It shapes what the reader knows.
Example: A first person narrator saying I felt scared.

20. Allegory

An allegory tells a story with symbolic meaning. Characters and events represent bigger ideas.
Example: A story about animals representing political groups.

21. Flashback

A flashback takes the story back to an earlier event. It reveals background or context.
Example: A character remembers childhood trauma.

22. Archetype

An archetype is a universal character pattern or story element. It appears across cultures.
Example: The wise mentor guiding the hero.

23. Cliffhanger

A cliffhanger ends a scene on a suspenseful, unresolved moment. It encourages readers to continue.
Example: The door opens but the chapter ends.

24. Theme Statement

A theme statement expresses the deeper message in one sentence. It summarizes what the story says about life.
Example: Real courage comes from facing inner fears.

25. Foil

A foil is a character who contrasts with another character. The contrast highlights key traits.
Example: A calm person paired with a hot headed friend.