LITERARY DEVICES

-These are techniques which shape narrative to produce an effect on the reader.
-These are techniques that shape narrative to produce an effect on the reader.
-Literary devices are specific techniques that allow a writer to convey a deeper meaning that goes beyond what's on the
page.

PURPOSES OF LITERARY DEVICES

 Being able to identify when different literary techniques are being used helps you understand the motivation
behind the author's choices.
 Literary devices can make a written work's overall meaning or purpose clearer to you
 They make texts more interesting and more fun to read.

 PLOT DEVICE – is an object, character or concept introduced into the story by the author to advance its plot.

 Plot Twist – any unexpected turn of the story that gives a new view on its entire topic. A plot twist at the end of
the story is called a twist ending.

 Flashing Arrow – a technique used to focus the reader’s attention on an object or a location that will be
important later in the story.

 Red Herring – a plot device that distracts the reader’s attention from the plot twists that are important for the
story. It is used to maintain tension and uncertainty.

 Death trap – a plot device that the villain uses to try to kill the protagonist and satisfy his own sadistic desires.

 Comic Book Death – a technique which makes a major character “die or disappear forever”, but the character re-
appears later in the story.

 Dark and Stormy Night – a cliché-like opening that usually includes darkness, violent lightning and a general
mood of solitude.

 Reverse Chronology – a technique where a story begins at the end and works back toward the beginning.

 In medias res – a literary technique where the narrative starts in the middle of the story instead from its
beginning. The characters, setting and conflict is often introduced through a series of flashbacks.

 Analepsis (flashback) – presents the events from previous to the current time frame. Flashbacks are usually
presented as character’s memories and are used to explain their backgrounds and the back-story.

 Prolepsis (flash forward) – presents events that will occur in the future.

 Foreshadowing – it is a premonition, much like a flash forward, but only hints at the future.
o *FINALES. There are several patterns for story endings:

 Cliff-hanger – an abrupt ending that leaves the plot incomplete, without denouement. It often leaves characters in
a precarious or difficult situation which hint at the possibility of a sequel.

 Twist Ending – an unexpected finale that gives an entirely new vision on the entire plot. It is a powerful
technique but it can leave the reader dissatisfied or frustrated.

 Happy Ending – a finale when everything ends in the best way for the hero

 Poetic Justice – type of a happy ending where the virtue is rewarded and the vice is punished.

 Deus ex machina – a plot device dating back to ancient Greek theatre, where the conflict is resolved through a
means (by god, deus) that seem unrelated to the story. This allows the author to end the story as desired without
following the logic and continuity of the story.