Lit. Tools

Tool	Definition
Allusion	An allusion is a brief and, often, indirect reference to something of cultural significance. It does not describe in detail the thing to which it refers, the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to grasp its importance in the text. Allusions draw things into (relatively) explicit comparison, you might consider what a knowledge of this reference might contribute to the story?
Character	Characters are the individuals who populate the narrative. Remember, the characters in a text are constructions, they are designed for a specific narrative purpose.
Close Third Person POV	Although this is an “objective” view, it is aligned more closely with one character than others. Often the narrator will be able to report the thoughts and feelings of this character, but not other characters around it.
Connotation	The cultural or emotional association a word has (in addition to its literal meaning).
Denotation	The literal meaning (dictionary definition) of a word.
Detached Third Person POV	A “fly on the wall” perspective. This narrator is not privy to the characters’ thoughts or feelings, rather they are a detached observer.
First Person POV	Told from the perspective of the narrating character using “I.” Allows the audience to inhabit the mind of the narrator and to see their view of the fictional world. However, this world is limited to narrator's experiences and awareness.
Hyperbole	An exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken seriously.
Imagery	Imagery is the author’s attempt to create a mental picture in the mind of the reader. Though the most immediate forms of imagery are visual, imagery can also be used to evoke an emotional, sensual, or physical response.
Metaphor	putting together two seemingly unlike things, without using like or as.
Omniscient Third Person POV	All-knowing perspective. The narrator knows what each character is thinking and feeling, not just what they are doing throughout the story.  Often times a novel will negotiate these perspectives by following one character for a few pages or chapters, before switching to another character for a few pages, chapters, etc.
Personification	Giving non-human objects human characteristics.
Point of View	The perspective from which the narrative is told. You might ask: How does the POV determine what you see or are able to know in the context of the story? What can you tell about the characters whose eyes you see through?
Simile	Putting together two seemingly unlike things by using like or as
Structure	How the author has decided to organize the narrative. While many texts follow a simple progression with a clear beginning, middle, and end, many do not. Some questions you might ask about structure: Where does the story begin? Does the author use form in an interesting way? Does the author employ a frame narrative (a story within a story)? Does the text have a twist ending?