Prologue

Prologue
Definition: A prologue can be understood to be a sort of introduction to a story that usually sets the tone for the story and acts as a bit of a backgrounder or a “sneak peek” into the story. Prologues are typically a narrative ‘spoken’ by one of the characters and not from the part of the author.
Example: 1. "The origin of this story is..." 2. “It all began one day when…”

Protagonist

Protagonist
Definition: Protagonist is the main character in a story, novel or play about whom the whole story revolves. For example In Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations Pip is the protagonist.

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton

Definition: In literature, the literary device ‘polysyndeton’ refers to the process of using conjunctions or connecting words frequently in a sentence, placed very close to one another, as opposed to the usual norm of using them sparsely, only where they are technically needed. The use of polysyndetons is primarily for adding dramatic effect as they have a strong rhetorical presence.

Example: a) Saying “here and there and everywhere”, instead of simply saying “here, there and everywhere”. b) “Marge and Susan and Anne and Daisy and Barry all planned to go for a picnic”, instead of “Marge, Susan, Anne, Daisy and Barry…” emphasizes each of the individuals and calls attention to every person one by one instead of assembling them as a group.

Point of View

Point of View
Definition: In literature, the ‘point of view’ is a literary device that depicts the manner in which a story is narrated/ depicted and who it is that tells the story. Simply put, the point of view determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and thus influences the tone in which the story takes place. The point of view is instrumental in manipulating the reader’s understanding of the narrative. In a way, the point of view can allow or withhold the reader access into the greater reaches of the story. Two of the most common point of view techniques are the first person, wherein the story is told by the narrator from his/ her standpoint and the third person wherein the narrator does not figure in the events of the story and tells the story by referring to all characters and places in the third person with third person pronouns and proper nouns.

Example: In the popular Lord of the Rings book series, the stories are narrated in the third person and all happenings are described from an “outside the story” point of view. Contrastingly, in the popular teen book series, Princess Diaries, the story is told in the first person, by the protagonist herself.

Plot

Plot
Definitions: The plot usually refers to the sequence of events and happenings that make up a story. There is usually a pattern, unintended or intentional, that threads the plot together. The plot basically refers to the main outcome and order of the story. There is another kind of plot in literature as well; it refers to the conflict or clash occurring as a part of the story. The conflict usually follows 3 regular formats: a) characters in conflict with one another b) characters in conflict with their surroundings and c) characters in conflict with themselves.

Example: Many date movies follow a similar simple plot. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back in the end.

Personification

Personification
Definition: Personification is one of the most commonly used and recognized literary devices. It refers to the practice of attaching human traits and characteristics with inanimate objects, phenomena and animals.

Example: “The raging winds” “The wise owl” “The warm and comforting fire”

Periphrasis

Periphrasis
Definitions: The term ‘periphrasis’ refers to the use of excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could otherwise be conveyed with fewer words and in more direct a manner. The use of this literary device can be to embellish a sentence, to create a grander effect, to beat around the bush and to draw attention away from the crux of the message being conveyed.

Example: Instead of simply saying “I am displeased with your behavior”, one can say, “the manner in which you have conducted yourself in my presence of late has caused me to feel uncomfortable and has resulted in my feeling disgruntled and disappointed with you”.

Periodic Structure

Periodic Structure
Definition: In literature, the concept of a periodic structure refers to a particular placement of sentence elements such as the main clause of the sentence and/or its predicate are purposely held off and placed at the end instead of at the beginning or their conventional positions. In such placements, the crux of the sentence’s meaning does not become clear to the reader until they reach the last part. While undeniably confusing at first, a periodic structure lends a flair of drama and romanticism to a sentence and is greatly used in poetry.

Example: Instead of writing, “brokenhearted and forlorn she waited till the end of her days for his return” one may write, “for his return, brokenhearted and forlorn, waited she till the end of her days”.

Mistakes

Aim at, not on or against. Don't say: She aimed on {or against) the target. / Say: She aimed at the target,
Note Use the preposition at to denote direction, throw at, shout at, fire at, shoot at. Shoot (without the at) means to kill
He shot a bird (= he hit and killed it)

Angry with, not against. Don't say: The teacher was angry against him. / Say: The teacher was angry with him.
note I Was get angry with a person but at a thing He was angry at The weather 'not with the weather) Note Also annoyed with, vexed with, indignant with a person, but at a thing.

Anxious (= troubled) about, not for. Don't say.'They're anxious for his health. ·/ Say: They're anxious about his health. Note Anxious meaning wishing very much lakes for Parents are anxious for their children's success.

Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic Fallacy
Definition: Pathetic fallacy is a type of literary device whereby the author ascribes the human feelings of one or more of his/her characters to non-human objects or nature or phenomena. It is a type of personification, and is known to occur more by accident and less on purpose.

Example: The softly whistling teapot informed him it was time for breakfast.