NARRATIVE WRITING

Incorporating Literary/Figurative Devices

Narrative Techniques
 Literary Devices
A literary device refers to any tool that an author uses to
communicate ideas to his or her readers. These devices
usually stimulate the reader’s interest and contribute to the
creativity of the story.
 Imagery
The writer uses language that appeals to the senses to
create interest in the story. The reader is taken on a journey
in which he or she is called upon to imagine what happens
in the story by the creation of mental pictures. He or she
should be able to see, hear, feel, taste and smell all that the
writer envisions. This allows the reader to become a part of
the story. To achieve this, writers use ‘imagery.’
 Types of Imagery
- Visual: Appeals to the sense of sight.
- Auditory: Appeals to the sense of hearing.
- Tactile: Appeals to the sense of touch or feelings.
- Gustatory: Appeals to the sense of taste.
- Olfactory: Appeals to the sense of smell.
- Kinesthetic: Deals with movement.
Simile – This is a comparison between two things using the
words, ‘like or as.’
Examples: Carl is like a post.
Carl is as tall as a post.
Metaphor – This is a comparison between two things
without the use of the words, ‘like or as.’ It is a direct
comparison or a big lie.
Example: Carl is a post.
Metaphor – This is a comparison between two things
without the use of the words, ‘like or as.’ It is a direct
comparison or a big lie.
Example: Carl is a post.
Personification - Giving human-like qualities or
attributes to things that have no life.
Example: The clock is smiling.
Hyperbole – This is a big exaggeration.
Example: Her brain is the size of a pea.

Alliteration – This is the repetition of consonant sounds at

the beginning of words.
Example: Come and clean your closet.
Assonance – This device refers to the repetition of vowel
sounds within words or phrases.
Example: “Try to light the fire.” In this sentence, the long
sound of the letter, ‘i,’ is emphasized.
Onomatopoeia – This is the use of words to imitate sounds;
the association of sounds with objects, animals, etcetera.
Example: In the forest, the bird whistles, the water plops in
the pond and the frog croaks.
Euphemism – This is a mild way of expressing
something that is harsh.
Example: The man went to live in heaven (the man died).

Pun: This is the play on a word that is similar in sound to

another word which has a different meaning.
Example: “Mend your sole (soul).” (Shakespeare)
Irony – This is stating the opposite of what is meant without
any insulting connotation.
Example: You are very green Johnny (Johnny is very young
and inexperienced).
Sarcasm – This device states the opposite of what is meant
in an insulting manner.
Example: “Good fences make good neighbours.” (Robert
Frost)
Oxymoron: This is the use of two words that contrast
each other in juxtaposition.
Example: He is a little giant.
Antithesis: This is the use of contrasting ideas or
sentences written beside each other or quite
closely to each other.
Example: It was the best of times; it was the worst of
times.
Symbolism: This technique makes use of a word, place or
object to mean something
beyond what is on the literal level (Wheeler,
2014).
Example: She was white until her wedding night. The
colour, ‘white,’ is used to
represent purity.
 Story Writing Techniques

Suspense: This technique is used to create a state of

‘uncertainty, anticipation, and curiosity’ as to the outcome
of a story (Cuddon, 937). The reader usually develops
emotional tension resulting from his or her desire to know
‘what will happen next’ or ‘what is actually happening
now.’
Flashback: This technique is used to inform the reader
about events that happened in the past. The flashback
could take the form of narration, a character’s
memories, dreams as well as authorial commentary
(Wheeler, 2014).
Foreshadowing: This technique is used to give hints or
clues about things that will unfold in the story at a later
time.
Twist: This technique introduces a surprise element to the
story. It deviates from what the reader expects to happen.