Definition of Deuteragonist Deuteragonist is a secondary main character after the protagonist. The word deuteragonist is derived from the Grecian term ‘deuteragonist’ which means the second actor. It first appeared during the Grecian heydays of drama as a second actor…
Category: Literary Devices
Buzzword
Definition of Buzzword Buzzword is a popular term or phrase that gains popularity during a specific period. It was initially coined by F.M. Halgren and H. Weiss in 1946 when they included it in their research published in American Speech.…
Synopsis
Definition of Synopsis Synopsis is a brief summary of a literary work. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece, where “syn” meant together and “opsis” meant seeing. The word made its way into Latin, becoming “synopsis” in the 17th century.…
Chronology
Definition of Chronology Chronology refers to the orderly arrangement of occurrences or incidents, particularly in a historical context. Its roots can be traced back to the Greek words “Kronos” and “Logia,” signifying the study of time. Over time, the Greek…
Pseudonym
Definition of Pseudonym Pseudonym, derived from the Greek “pseudonymous” and the Latin “alias,” is a fictitious name used by individuals instead of their real identity. In literature, it’s a tool writers employ to conceal their true names, often blurring gender…
Platitude
Definition of a Platitude Platitude is a statement that’s repetitive, obvious, overly simple, and lacks depth or meaning. The term “platitude” has its roots in the French language, where “plat” and “tude” combine to mean “flatness.” Over time, its figurative…
Pejorative
Definition of Pejorative Pejorative, a term indicating disapproval or contempt, is language used negatively to evoke unfavorable feelings. Writers utilize it to criticize or convey hostility, often employing slurs or negative phrases. It serves to denounce or express disapproval of…
Mnemonic
Definition of Mnemonic The word “mnemonic” comes from the Greek term “mnemonikos,” which relates to memory, much like its Greek root. It’s connected to Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory in Greek mythology, but both words trace their origins back to…
Homonyms
Definition of Homonyms A homonym means a word having the same sounds but different meanings. The word ‘homonym’ is of Grecian origin, made of two words, “homos” which means the same, and “onoma” which means the name. It is also…
Polemic
Definition of Polemic Polemic is a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something, it also means war. Etymologically, the word polemic can be traced back to its Grecian origin from the word polemos that means war. Later, it…
Exposition
Definition of Exposition Exposition is a literary device that is designed to convey important information, within a short story or novel, to the reader. Writers utilize exposition to provide essential backstory for characters, plot, and other narrative elements. This background…
Fiction
Definition of Fiction In literature, fiction encompasses written works that are defined by narratives or stories that are created, invented, and made up by the writer. Essentially, fictional works feature elements such as plot, characters, setting, and theme. These elements…
Antithesis
Definition of Antithesis Antithesis is a literary device that refers to the juxtaposition of two opposing elements through the parallel grammatical structure. The word antithesis, meaning absolute opposite, is derived from Greek for “setting opposite,” indicating when something or someone…
Idiom
Definition of Idiom An idiom is a saying or expression that is widely used among speakers of a certain language and whose figurative meaning is different from its literal meaning. Idioms are found in nearly all languages and cultures, which…
Monologue
Definition of Monologue Monologue is a literary device featuring a “speech” made by a single character in a work of literature or dramatic work (for theater or film). Monologues allow a character to address other characters present in the scene…
Dystopia
Definition of Dystopia Dystopia is a literary device and genre used by writers to present a vision of the future that challenges readers to reflect on the current social and political environments in which they live. Dystopian literature often portrays…
Setting
Definition of Setting Setting is a literary device that allows the writer of a narrative to establish the time, location, and environment in which it takes place. This is an important element in a story, as the setting indicates to…
Theme
Definition of Theme As a literary device, theme refers to the central, deeper meaning of a written work. Writers typically will convey the theme of their work, and allow the reader to perceive and interpret it, rather than overtly or…
Apostrophe
Definition of Apostrophe As a literary device, an apostrophe is a poetic phrase or speech made by a character that is addressed to a subject that is not literally present in the literary work. The subject may be dead, absent,…
Prose
Definition of Prose Prose is a literary device referring to writing that is structured in a grammatical way, with words and phrases that build sentences and paragraphs. Works wrote in prose feature language that flows in natural patterns of everyday…
