Literary techniques are the tools writers use to create meaning, evoke emotions, and engage readers. Here are some key examples:
Character Development:
* Direct Characterization: The author explicitly states a character's traits.
* Indirect Characterization: The reader infers a character's traits through their actions, thoughts, speech, and interactions with others.
* Foil: A character who contrasts with another, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
* Dynamic Character: A character who undergoes significant change throughout the story.
* Static Character: A character who remains largely unchanged.
Plot Techniques:
* Conflict: The central struggle that drives the plot. (Internal/external, man vs. man, man vs. nature, etc.)
* Exposition: Introducing the setting, characters, and background information.
* Rising Action: The build-up of tension and complications leading to the climax.
* Climax: The turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak.
* Falling Action: The events following the climax, leading to resolution.
* Resolution: The outcome of the conflict, tying up loose ends.
* Flashback: Interruptions in the present to show events from the past.
* Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about future events.
Figurative Language:
* Simile: Comparing two things using "like" or "as."
* Metaphor: Directly comparing two things without using "like" or "as."
* Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas.
* Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis.
* Understatement: Deliberately downplaying the significance of something.
* Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
* Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words.
* Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds within words.
* Imagery: Using vivid language to create sensory experiences for the reader.
Sentence Structure & Style:
* Parallelism: Using similar grammatical structures to create a sense of balance and rhythm.
* Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or to create a specific effect.
* Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences.
* Tone: The writer's attitude towards the subject matter.
* Mood: The atmosphere or feeling created by the writing.
Other Techniques:
* Symbolism: Objects, characters, or events that represent something else.
* Allegory: A story with a deeper, symbolic meaning.
* Irony: A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.
* Theme: The central idea or message of the story.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it provides a good starting point for understanding the various techniques writers use to craft their work. The specific techniques used will vary depending on the genre, purpose, and style of the writing.