Ever get lost in a book and think, how did the author make that line hit so hard? It’s likely because they used literary devices. Whether you’re writing your novel, improving your poetry, or want to impress people with your knowledge of literary elements at the upcoming book club meeting, understanding these tools can help you a lot.

If you are considering them as a fancy term thrown around in English class, then you are mistaken. These are some really good tricks that writers use for different purposes. But what are these terms? What do they mean? How to use them in your writing?

Don’t worry; we will answer all of these questions for you with examples. We’re also going to walk you through the techniques that famous novel writers incorporated in their novels and poetry and elements.

What Are Literary Devices?

Just like spices complete a tasty recipe, these techniques enhance the richness of a story. These techniques don’t have a single origin; they’ve evolved organically over centuries, growing alongside language and storytelling. Ancient scholars, particularly Greek philosophers like Aristotle, first analyzed and categorized literary techniques in works like Poetics (circa 335 BC).

Writers use these tools to add depth, make their stories more engaging, and sometimes give them a little extra punch. You can find them everywhere—in novels, poems, and even movies. These are tricks of the trade that help writers tell their stories in meaningful ways. You might already know a few of them, but there’s a lot more to the list.

Literary Elements vs. Techniques

They’re similar but not the same thing. Literary elements are the basic components that make up a story: plot, setting, character, etc. They’re the building blocks of storytelling. These techniques, on the other hand, are more like tools. These are the creative methods writers use to enhance those basic elements—things like metaphor, irony, or foreshadowing.

Why Writers Need to Know Literary Devices

So, why bother learning all this? Because mastering terms and techniques will not only make you a better writer but also a better reader. When you know what’s going on behind the scenes in a story, you can appreciate it on a deeper level.

For editing, whether you’re doing it yourself or working with an online book editor, having a solid grasp of them makes the process smoother. A book editor will thank you for it later!

31 Literary Devices and Techniques Every Writer Should Know

Down the line is a list of literary devices you should absolutely have in your book.

1. Metaphor

It is a figure of speech that directly compares two things by saying one is the other without using “like” or “as.” Metaphor helps readers understand something unfamiliar by comparing it to something they know.

For example, in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, he writes, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Here, life is compared to a stage to illustrate the idea that people play roles throughout their lives.

2. Simile

A simile is similar to a metaphor, but it uses “like” or “as” to make the comparison. This literary term helps create vivid imagery by drawing clear connections.

For instance, in Robert Burns’ poem A Red, Red Rose, the line “My love is like a red, red rose” compares love to a rose to highlight its beauty and freshness.

3. Personification

It gives human qualities to animals, objects, or abstract ideas, making them more relatable. Personification technique adds depth to a narrative by animating the inanimate.

In Emily Dickinson’s poem Because I Could Not Stop for Death: “Because I could not stop for Death—He kindly stopped for me.” Death is portrayed as a person who is kind and patient, giving it a character-like role.

4. Alliteration

This is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words, creating rhythm or mood. Writers often use this literary technique in poetry and prose to make phrases more memorable or lyrical.

For example, in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, the phrase “Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before” uses alliteration of the “d” sound to build a haunting atmosphere.

5. Hyperbole

It is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally or used for emphasis or effect. It’s common in both everyday language and literature.

In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses hyperbole when Macbeth says, “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” Macbeth exaggerates the guilt he feels after committing murder, implying that not even an ocean could cleanse him.

6. Foreshadowing

This provides subtle clues about what will happen later in the story, building suspense and preparing readers for future events.

In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the death of Candy’s dog did the foreshadowing of tragic fate of Lennie. Both are seen as burdens to their companions, hinting that Lennie, like the dog, might be “put down” for the greater good.

7. Irony

This is when the reality of a situation contrasts with what is expected. There are three types of irony:

• Verbal Irony – Saying the opposite of what you mean
• Situational Irony – When something unexpected happens
• Dramatic Irony – When the audience knows something the characters do not

All these literary device examples are as follows:

1. Irony is at play in Romeo and Juliet; dramatic irony is at play when Juliet takes a potion to appear dead, but Romeo believes she is truly dead, leading to tragic consequences. This creates a powerful tension between the audience’s knowledge of Juliet’s ruse and Romeo’s misguided actions, heightening the emotional impact of the story
2. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, verbal irony is evident when Mr. Bennet comments about Mr. Collins, who is known to be dull and insufferable. He quips, “Mr. Collins, I must say, you have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit,” which sarcastically implies that Mr. Collins has been anything but delightful
3. The Wizard of Oz is the novel in which Dorothy spends her entire journey seeking the help of the Wizard to return to Kansas, only to discover at the end that she had the power to return home all along. The situational irony lies in the fact that all her adventures and efforts to find external assistance were unnecessary, as the solution was within her grip from the very beginning, underscoring the theme that often, we overlook our inner strength

8. Symbolism

Symbolism involves using objects, characters, or actions to represent something beyond their literal meaning. It adds layers of meaning to a narrative.

For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and the illusion of the American Dream.

9. Imagery

This literary element appeals to the five senses, allowing readers to visualize scenes, hear sounds, or feel textures through descriptive language. Imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

In John Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale, the line “The murmurous haunt of flies on summer eves” appeals to the sense of sound and evokes the lazy, droning atmosphere of a summer evening.

10. Onomatopoeia

It is the use of words that imitate the sound they describe, like buzz, sizzle, or clang. Onomatopoeia brings a sense of realism to scenes, especially when describing actions or environments. A famous example is from Batman comics, where words like pow, bang, and wham mimic the sounds of punches and kicks in fight scenes.

11. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two contradictory terms are combined to create a new meaning or highlight the complexity of a subject. A well-known example is in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet when Romeo says, “O brawling love! O loving hate!” This combination of opposing ideas reflects the turbulent emotions Romeo feels.

12. Paradox

It is a self-contradictory statement that, upon closer inspection, reveals a deeper truth. Paradox challenges readers to think critically. In George Orwell’s 1984, the phrase “War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength” reflects the contradictory nature of the Party’s propaganda and illustrates how the regime manipulates reality.

13. Allegory

It is a story that operates on two levels: a literal one and a symbolic one. Allegory conveys a broader moral, social, or political meaning. George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarianism, where farm animals represent historical figures and societal classes.

14. Flashback

A flashback interrupts the chronological order of a story to revisit a past event, giving context to the current situation. This is the most used technique among the literary devices list because it helps deepen character backstories or explain current motivations.

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses flashbacks to reveal Scout’s memories of growing up in the racially segregated South, providing insight into her current beliefs and experiences.

15. Flash-forward

It is the opposite of a flashback, where the narrative jumps ahead in time to show events that will happen in the future.

Flash-forward technique can create suspense or provide insight into a character’s destiny. In Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is shown a flash-forward of his lonely death, prompting his transformation.

16. Allusion

Allusion is a reference to another text, historical event, or cultural icon used to add depth and meaning to a story. Writers often assume readers will recognize the reference and understand its significance, and this poetic device works very well.

For example, in The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger alludes to Robert Burns’ poem “Comin Thro’ the Rye” to underscore Holden Caulfield’s desire to protect the innocence of children.

17. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition places two contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences or create tension. It’s a way to draw attention to the relationship between ideas.

Charles Dickens’s novel A Tale of Two Cities’s opening line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” juxtaposes two opposing views of the same era, emphasizing the contradictions of the period.

18. Motif

It is a recurring element—such as an image, symbol, or theme—throughout a literary work, contributing to the overall meaning or message. Moby Dick, an adventure novel, has the motif of the white whale, which represents multiple themes, including obsession, the unknown, and the destructive forces of nature.

19. Tone

Tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style. It sets the mood and influences how readers perceive the story. If you read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the tone is ironic and witty, which reflects the social commentary of the novel.

Tones You Should Use in Your Novel According to the Genre

Different genres call for distinct tones, and book editing services know when to use the specific type. If you are unaware of these tones, here are some suggestions for you:

• Mystery/Thriller – A dark, tense, and sometimes foreboding tone keeps readers on edge. You want them to feel a sense of urgency and curiosity, always asking, “What happens next?”
• Romance – A warm, emotional, and hopeful tone fits best here. Romance novels should evoke feelings of passion, longing, and connection, with a sense of optimism that love will prevail.
• Fantasy – It requires a tone that can be majestic, whimsical, or even dark and brooding, depending on your world-building. A sense of wonder or adventure drives the tone in this genre.
• Comedy – Light-hearted and humorous tones are a must. Playfulness, wit, and exaggeration will keep readers entertained and engaged.
• Horror – A chilling, unsettling tone builds dread. Your goal is to make readers feel uneasy and haunted by the unknown.

20. Mood

It is the atmosphere or emotional setting created by a piece of writing that affects how readers feel while reading it. Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher creates a mood of dread and melancholy through its gothic descriptions of the decaying mansion and the eerie silence surrounding it.

21. Theme

Theme is the central idea or message of a literary work, often a reflection on life, society, or human nature. It’s the underlying meaning that readers are meant to take away. In The Catcher in the Rye, the theme of alienation and the loss of innocence runs throughout the novel, reflecting Holden Caulfield’s struggle with growing up.

22. Foil

It is a character whose qualities contrast with those of another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular traits of the main character. In Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson is a foil to Sherlock; while Sherlock is analytical and distant, Watson is emotional and relatable, which highlights Sherlock’s brilliance and eccentricity.

23. Euphemism

You might have noticed this one. A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or phrase used to replace a harsh or blunt one, often to soften the impact of difficult subjects. For example, instead of saying someone “died,” a writer might use “passed away” as a euphemism to avoid being too direct.

24. Archetype

Archetype is a recurring symbol, character, or motif in literature that represents universal patterns of human nature. These can be hero types, like the “tragic hero” or “mentor,” as seen in many classical and contemporary works. In The Odyssey, Odysseus embodies the archetypal “hero” who embarks on an epic journey.

25. Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic fallacy is the attribution of human emotions to inanimate objects or nature, often to reflect a character’s mood. For instance, in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, the stormy weather often mirrors the tumultuous emotions of the characters.

26. Anachronism

An anachronism occurs when something is placed in the wrong historical period, either intentionally or accidentally. It’s often used to create humor or highlight the differences between times. For instance, in Julius Caesar, Shakespeare mentions clocks, even though they didn’t exist in ancient Rome, creating an intentional anachronism.

27. Epiphany

An epiphany is a moment of sudden realization that a character experiences, often leading to personal growth or a change in perspective. In James Joyce’s The Dead, Gabriel Conroy experiences an epiphany at the end, realizing the insignificance of his life and the depth of his wife’s emotions.

28. Stream of Consciousness

Stream of Consciousness is a technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts in a character’s mind, often in an unstructured, free-form way. This style is at the top of the list of literary devices. It can be seen in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, where the narrative shifts seamlessly between the character’s internal thoughts and external events.

29. Red Herring

This is a misleading clue or distraction used to throw readers off from the real issue or plot twist. In mystery novels, authors often use red herrings to create suspense and keep readers guessing. For example, in Sherlock Holmes stories, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle frequently introduces irrelevant details to mislead readers before revealing the true culprit.

30. Deus Ex Machina

It refers to an unexpected, often improbable, intervention that resolves a seemingly unsolvable problem in the plot. Deus Ex Machina literally means “god from the machine” and was originally used in ancient plays when supernatural powers were introduced to save the day. Modern examples include the sudden appearance of a previously unmentioned solution to save characters in a dire situation.

31. Catharsis

Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience after the resolution of a tragic or intense storyline. This element allows readers or viewers to process and purge emotions, often leading to a sense of relief or renewal. In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the tragic realization of Oedipus’ fate leads to catharsis, as the audience feels pity and fear before the final resolution.

Final Thoughts

Literary devices are essential tools that enhance the depth, richness, and emotional impact of a story. From metaphors and similes to irony and symbolism, these techniques allow writers to convey complex ideas and emotions with wit, clarity, and creativity. Understanding and mastering these techniques makes your writing strong and leaves a lasting impact on the minds of readers. 

Whether you’re crafting your own narrative or analyzing literature, familiarizing yourself with these key elements and techniques will help you recognize the layers of meaning in any text and improve your storytelling abilities. These techniques are what transform simple words into powerful stories that resonate with readers.