Figurative Language (Fiction)

Writing is all about showing, not telling. By using figurative language, you can express themes and details without bogging down your story.

Foreshadowing

When the subject hints at the future. It helps build dramatic tension.

Sam didn’t know that their life was about to change forever.

Flashback

When the subject looks back at or describes their past. This provides a deeper insight into a character’s motivation.

“I’m not like you. Did you know that I used to be a cowboy? I was born and raised in Wyoming, not the city...”

Allegory

When you use your subjects symbolically to tell a “story within a story.” Allows for a relatable deeper meaning to be found.

A story about two bears fighting to the death over the fish might be an allegory about how being stubborn harms everyone involved.

Motif

When a subject is repeatedly mentioned in the story to help reinforce a point.

You could have a character be associated with/keep noticing bees, only for them to realize that they’ve been controlled by others their whole life.

Colloquialism

The use of everyday language to make dialogue more realistic.

“Y’all comin’ to the barbeque?”

Aside

When a character speaks directly to the audience. Helps clear up details not gained from the action.

“Hey, let’s playhouse; I’ll be the mom. ‘HOW DARE YOU?’

Oh, I forgot to mention you cheated on me.

‘ON OUR ANNIVERSARY?’”

The Three Types of Irony

Dramatic irony

The reader knows something that the character does not. When used thoughtfully, it can create suspension, but it can be an excellent comedic device.

Tabitha approached the door, unaware of the killer’s presence behind her.

Verbal Irony

A character says the opposite of what they believe. It is similar to sarcasm and is used to make fun of something.

“I think splitting up in this decrepit haunted house is the best idea you’ve ever had!”

Situational Irony

When the opposite of a suspected outcome happens. It Keeps your audience guessing.

“Did you hear about the firefighter who got the Medal of Valor? His house burned down.

Figurative Language (Fiction)

Foreshadowing

When the subject hints at the future. It helps build dramatic tension.

​

Sam didn’t know that their life was about to change forever.

​

​

Flashback

When the subject looks back at or describes their past. This provides a deeper insight into a character’s motivation.

​

“I’m not like you. Did you know that I used to be a cowboy? I was born and raised in Wyoming, not the city...”

​

​

Allegory

When you use your subjects symbolically to tell a “story within a story.” Allows for a relatable deeper meaning to be found.

A story about two bears fighting to the death over the fish might be an allegory about how being stubborn harms everyone involved.

​

Motif

When a subject is repeatedly mentioned in the story to help reinforce a point.

​

You could have a character be associated with/keep noticing bees, only for them to realize that they’ve been controlled by others their whole life.

​

Colloquialism

The use of everyday language to make dialogue more realistic.

​

“Y’all comin’ to the barbeque?”

​

Aside

When a character speaks directly to the audience. Helps clear up details not gained from the action.

​

“Hey, let’s playhouse; I’ll be the mom. ‘HOW DARE YOU?’

Oh, I forgot to mention you cheated on me.

‘ON OUR ANNIVERSARY?’”

The Three Types of Irony

Dramatic irony

​

The reader knows something that the character does not. When used thoughtfully, it can create suspension, but it can be an excellent comedic device.

Tabitha approached the door, unaware of the killer’s presence behind her.

Verbal Irony

​

A character says the opposite of what they believe. It is similar to sarcasm and is used to make fun of something.

“I think splitting up in this decrepit haunted house is the best idea you’ve ever had!”

Situational Irony

​

When the opposite of a suspected outcome happens. It Keeps your audience guessing.

“Did you hear about the firefighter who got the Medal of Valor? His house burned down.