A recurring theme, subject, or idea in a story that contributes to the overall meaning.
Character development: Character development refers to the transformation, growth, and depth of a character throughout a literary work.
Plot structure: The plot structure is the organization and sequence of events within a narrative that establishes the framework and shape of the story.
Setting: Setting refers to the time, place, and social environment in which a story takes place, providing the backdrop against which the events unfold.
Theme: Theme refers to the central idea or message explored in a literary work.
Conflict and tension: Conflict and tension in literature refer to the struggles, disagreements, and situations that create suspense and uncertainty, driving the plot and engaging the reader emotionally.
Dialogue: Dialogue refers to the conversation between characters, often used to reveal their thoughts, emotions, and advance the plot within a literary work.
Imagery and symbolism: Imagery and symbolism in literature refer to the use of vivid sensory language and objects or actions representing deeper meanings to enhance the overall thematic and emotional impact of the text.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary technique that hints at future events or developments in a story, creating suspense and building anticipation for what is to come.
Point of view: Point of view refers to the perspective or narrative position from which a story is told.
Narrative voice: Narrative voice refers to the perspective and point of view from which a story is told, influencing the reader's engagement and understanding of the events and characters.
Irony: Irony refers to the literary technique where there is a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually transpires, often to create a humorous or satirical effect.
Tone and mood: Tone and mood in literature refer to the atmosphere or emotional perspective conveyed by the author, focusing on the overall feeling or attitude evident throughout the work.
Style and language: Style and language refers to the distinctive way an author uses words, phrases, and literary devices to create a unique and effective literary expression.
Metaphors and similes: Metaphors and similes are figures of speech used in literature to create vivid comparisons and add layers of meaning, with metaphors directly equating two unrelated things and similes using "like" or "as" to draw similarities.
Allusion and intertextuality: Allusion and intertextuality in literature refer to the deliberate references or connections made to other texts, events, or cultural elements, enhancing the depth and meaning of the work.
The hero's journey: The hero's journey is a recurring motif in literature where a protagonist embarks on an adventure, faces various challenges, undergoes personal transformation, and ultimately achieves his or her goal.
Archetypes: Archetypes in literature refer to universal character types, symbols, or patterns that represent recurring themes and behaviors in stories and serve as a foundation for understanding and interpreting the human experience.
Storytelling techniques: Storytelling techniques refer to the various methods and strategies employed by authors to effectively convey a narrative and engage readers.
Literary devices: Literary devices refer to the techniques and structures employed by writers to create artistic and meaningful effects in their works, enhancing the overall impact and understanding of the text.
Prose fiction techniques: Prose fiction techniques refer to the various literary devices and narrative strategies employed by writers to enhance the storytelling in works of fiction written in prose format.
Suspense and pacing: Suspense and pacing in literature refer to the techniques used by authors to create tension, build anticipation, and control the tempo of the narrative, keeping readers engaged and eager to know what happens next.
Motivation and psychology of characters: Motivation and psychology of characters explores the underlying factors and psychological states that drive characters' actions, decisions, and development in literary works.
Genre conventions: Genre conventions refer to the established characteristics and elements within a specific literary genre that help define and shape the overall narrative.
Subtext: Subtext refers to the underlying meanings, emotions, or messages subtly conveyed through the words and actions of characters in literature.
Metaphysics and philosophy.: Metaphysics and philosophy in literature often explore the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms.
Hero’s Journey: The protagonist embarks on a journey, facing obstacles and overcoming them to achieve a goal.
Love: This motif involves a romantic relationship between two characters, which can be a central or secondary part of the story.
Quest: The protagonist is seeking something, either tangible or intangible, and is forced to overcome obstacles to achieve it.
Coming of Age: The story follows a protagonist as they mature and develop through various experiences, gaining new insights and understanding about themselves and their place in the world.
Good vs. Evil: This motif highlights the contrast between two opposing forces, often manifested as dueling characters or groups.
Sacrifice: The protagonist must make a significant sacrifice that forces them to face their fears and overcome challenges they would otherwise not be able to.
Redemption: The protagonist must redeem themselves or someone else, often requiring the protagonist to make a moral or ethical choice.
Death and Rebirth: In this motif, a character undergoes a transformation, often after experiencing a significant loss or trauma.
Loss of Innocence: The protagonist loses their innocence, often as a result of experiencing harsh realities, learning unsettling truths, or facing danger or violence.
Power and Corruption: This motif explores the relationship between power and corruption, often manifested as a struggle between those who seek to control others and those who resist that control.