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Literary devices are techniques that writers use to create a special and pointed effect in their writing, to convey information, or to help readers understand their writing on a deeper level. Often, literary devices are used in writing for emphasis or clarity.
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- Rhetorical Devices
- Setting. This technique is particularly popular in Gothic fiction, where a house or landscape are used almost as an additional character in the story, setting the mood and having a significant influence on the protagonist.
- Foreshadowing. As the name suggests, writers will use foreshadowing to suggest events or outcomes that will happen later in the writing, using either characters or objects within the story.
- Cliffhanger. A cliffhanger is when a story is left open-ended and unresolved. This is a commonly used narrative technique in television and film, as creators want the viewers to come back for the next episode or sequel to see if the answers are revealed.
- Flashback or Flash Forward. Taking the reader out of an otherwise chronological story, a flashback or flash forward will show events that happened in the past or future that impact the characters in the present day of the story timeline.
- Determine Your Setting. Location is an enormously useful tool in novel-building. You should treat it as you would treat a character, allowing it to convey mood and letting it reveal more of itself over time.
- Make Memorable Characters. Character and event are inseparable, because a person is what happens to them. You might think of this as a distinction from films, where actors are cast into pre-existing roles.
- Understand the 2 Types of Conflict. Every story is made up of both events and characters. A story happens because a pattern is interrupted. If you are writing about a day that is like any other day, it is most likely a routine, not a story.
- Give Your Plot a Twist. Think Like a Pro. In his first-ever online class, best-selling author Dan Brown teaches you his step-by-step process for turning ideas into page-turning novels.
- Allegory. Allegory is a literary device used to express large, complex ideas in an approachable manner. Allegory allows writers to create some distance between themselves and the issues they are discussing, especially when those issues are strong critiques of political or societal realities.
- Allusion. An allusion is a popular literary device used to develop characters, frame storylines, and help create associations to well-known works. Allusions can reference anything from Victorian fairy tales and popular culture to the Bible and the Bard.
- Anachronism. Imagine reading a story about a caveman who microwaves his dinner, or watching a film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel in which the characters text each other instead of writing letters.
- Cliffhanger. It’s a familiar feeling: You’re on minute 59 of an hour-long television episode, and the protagonist is about to face the villain—and then episode cuts to black.
- Overview
- What are narrative techniques?
- 26 narrative techniques for writers
Narrative techniques can help writers craft engaging stories by determining effective strategies to communicate information to readers. It's important to learn varied examples of techniques so you can decide which option can aid your writing efforts. In this article, we define what narrative techniques are and list 26 narrative techniques that you ...
Narrative techniques are methods and literary devices a writer uses to craft the elements of a story. They involve different narrative elements, including plot, perspective, style, character, theme and genre. You can apply different narrative techniques to most forms of writing, including literature, poetry, film and theater.Related: How To Pitch a Story: With Steps, Template and Example
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1. Use the setting
Many writers create settings that reflect a character's mood or circumstances. You can also use a setting to impact a character's decision-making process, making it an active component of a story's conflict. Consider novels in the gothic genre, which sometimes describe gloomy castles and characters with a corresponding dour personality. By defining certain traits of the castle setting, like a hallway that's always cold, you can reveal many aspects of a character's defining traits.
2. Create foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a way to provide hints about events in a story before they happen. Writers often use foreshadowing to add an element of tension and emotion to their stories, as readers may recognize the event and continue reading to see if they're correct. You can also include foreshadowing to give a story an ominous tone, depending on its genre.
3. Include sensory imagery
Writers often use sensory imagery to create all the visuals of a scene using only words. This technique can help a reader understand a scene's varied elements, allowing them to understand a physical environment. For instance, a scene that takes place in a grocery store might include details about voices a character hears on the loudspeaker or the food they smell, taste, see and touch while they shop.
Jul 18, 2023 · Learn how to craft compelling narratives, build tension, evoke emotions, and captivate your audience. Whether you're a writer, speaker, or marketer, these proven techniques will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
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Feb 22, 2024 · In this comprehensive guide, I’ll be unpacking the elements of what makes a compelling story and actionable techniques you can apply to your writing immediately.
