literary techniques are used in literature for a variety of purposes.

Certain literary techniques

are used to increase the dramatic tension in a novel or short story. This can be done by placing
the characters in time-sensitive situations, diverting the reader's attention, or appealing directly
to the reader's emotion to elicit sympathy for the main character.

Cliffhanger
The cliffhanger was popularized with serialized fiction and occurs when characters are left in
precipitous situations, or have a revelation, as an episode of the serial ends. For example, at the
end of an episode of Thomas Hardy's 1873 serial novel "A Pair of Blue Eyes," the main character
is left literally hanging off a cliff.

Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing, also referred to as Chekhov's gun or formal patterning is a literary technique in
which a reference is made to something that will play an important role in future events of the
story. Foreshadowing can be as subtle as an unrelated reference to a loaded gun on the wall or
occur through the use of an oracle, as in Sophocles' oracles in "Oedipus the King."

Pathos
Pathos is a literary technique in which the author directly appeals to the emotion and
imagination of the reader to elicit sympathy for a character in the story or the writer's
perspective. For instance, Charlotte Bronte uses pathos in "Jane Eyre" when the protagonist
must leave her lover for moral reasons as soon as their affair begins.

Plot Twist
A plot twist occurs when a sudden, unexpected change happens that has a direct impact on the
outcome of the story. A plot twist can occur during any portion of the narrative, but it also
frequently happens as a surprise ending.

Ticking Clock Scenario

The ticking clock scenario elicits dramatic tension by placing a character in a dangerous, or
otherwise intense situation, in which time is of the essence. As time passes, the stakes of the
outcome of the story are raised, increasing dramatic tension.

Red Herring
A red herring is a literary technique in which the reader's attention is drawn to insignificant
details to divert attention from what is actually occurring in the plot. The red herring is
commonly used in mystery fiction and can lead to a plot twist at the end of the work of
literature.

Literary devices are important to anyone who uses or studies words in a creative context. Ill-
used literary devices can make a story or other literary work seem weak, flat, or
underdeveloped. Well-used literary devices have the opposite effect, helping writers create
dynamic, strong, and interesting stories.

Allusion
An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, event, place, or phrase. The writer assumes
the reader will understand the allusion, which may be crucial to the plot. Genre writers -- those
specializing in fiction such as romance, mystery, or science fiction -- may allude to places and
characters from within their genre, while writers for a general audience tend to use allusions
that do not require specialized knowledge by the reader. Examples include: "He's as brave as
Han Solo" and "She was as lovely as Helen of Troy."

Ambiguity
Ambiguity gives multiple meanings to a sentence or phrase, such as Mercutio's line in "Romeo
and Juliet" after he is fatally wounded. He says, "Call on me tomorrow and you shall find me a
grave man," meaning he could be sad or, more likely, in his grave. Writers often use ambiguity
to underscore the complexity of an issue or to help the character at hand confuse his or her
opponents. Ambiguity can be useful in mystery stories, where a character may take a phrase to
mean one thing although the speaker means something else.

Foreshadowing
Writers use foreshadowing to tell readers what to expect. This may come in the form of events
or phrases that hint at actions to come later in the plot. Foreshadowing can be obvious or very
subtle, creating suspense because the readers aren't sure what to expect. For instance, a writer
may focus on describing a weapon in the setting of a room, foreshadowing the fact that it will
be used later.

Imagery
Imagery is arguably one of the most important literary devices. Writers use imagery to describe
scenes, settings, and characters to help readers visualize what is happening in the story.
Imagery can be as simple as describing a character's physical surroundings or delve into more
complex descriptions of the character's emotions and thoughts. For instance, T.S. Eliot uses
imagery to describe the London fog in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" when he writes,
"The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window panes ... licked its tongue into the corners
of the evening."

Metaphor
Metaphor is a form of figurative language that compares two things that are unrelated in an
effort to give imagery and meaning to one of the things. Metaphors often state that one thing is
another; for instance, "Her skin was ivory and her hair was flowing silk." The woman is not
actually made of ivory and silk, but those words describe the woman's skin and hair, furthering
the image.

Conflict
Conflict in a story is a struggle between two opposing characters or forces. Conflict often
composes the main part of the plot or theme in a narrative. Conflict can involve two struggling
characters, a character against society, natural forces, the supernatural, or an internal conflict.
For instance, in "Romeo and Juliet" the conflict is between the feuding Montagues and
Capulets.

Climax
The climax is the turning point of a work, often the point of the greatest action, suspense,
tension, or emotional intensity. The author may use climax to describe the final battle of a
work, reveal a mystery, or show whether or not the main character is successful at his or her
endeavors. For instance, in the movie "Clue" the climax comes near the end when those
responsible for all of the deaths are revealed.