Literary Devices

Plot Devices

A Literary Device is a technique that shapes narrative to produce an effect on the reader.

A Plot Device is an object, character, or concept the author introduces into the story to advance the plot.

A Plot Twist is an unexpected turn in the story that gives a new view of the entire topic. A plot twist at the end of the story is called a twist ending.

A Flashing Arrow is a technique used to focus the reader's, but not the characters', attention on an object or a location that will be important later in the story.

A Red Herring is a plot device that distracts the reader's attention from the plot twists that are important for the story. It maintains tension and uncertainty.

A Deathtrap is a plot device that the villain uses to try to kill the protagonist and satisfy his own sadistic desires.

A Comic Book Death is a technique that makes a major character die or disappear 'for forever', but the character reappears later in the story.

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

Reverse Chronology is a technique where the narrative begins at the end and works back toward the beginning.

In medias res is a literary technique in which the narrative starts in the middle of the story instead of at the beginning. The characters, setting, and conflict are often introduced through flashbacks.

Items Devices

Some items and objects in the story may have a special significance for the plot. These can be divided into several categories:

Chekhov's Gun is an item introduced early in the story that plays a crucial role later on.

MacGuffin is an item whose nature is never fully explained to the reader but serves as a primary motivation for the characters.

A Plot Coupon is an object crucial to resolving the conflict and completing the story. Commonly, it is a supernatural artifact divided into several parts and scattered all over the world.

A Plot Voucher is an object similar to both a plot coupon and Chekhov’s gun: it is usually presented to the protagonist at the beginning of the story. It plays an important role in resolving he conflict.

Visions

Characters share visions of the past or future with the reader to explain a character’s motives or reveal plot twists.

A Dream Sequence is a series of dreams which allow a character to see events that occur or have occurred in another time.

Analepsis (flashback) presents events previous to the current time frame. Flashbacks are usually presented as characters' memories and are used to explain their backgrounds and the backstory.

Racconto is like a flashback but is usually longer and more gradual.

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

Prophecy is often used in science fiction to underline its futuristic structure.

Foreshadowing is a premonition, much like a flash-forward, but only hints at the future.

Had-I-Known is a form of foreshadowing that describes the consequences of a mistake a character is about to make.

Finales

There are several patterns for story endings:

A Cliffhanger is an abrupt ending that leaves the plot incomplete, without a denouement. It often leaves characters in a precarious or difficult situation, which hints at the possibility of a sequel.

A Twist Ending is an unexpected finale that gives an entirely new vision of the entire plot. It is a powerful technique, but it can leave the reader dissatisfied and frustrated.

A Happy Ending is a finale in which everything ends in the best way for the hero.

Poetic Justice is a happy ending where virtue is rewarded, and vice is punished.

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