narrative devices

type of narrative that uses characters and plot to depict abstract ideas and themes.

a short story within a story.

plot device where an impossible situation is solved by the appearance of an unexpected or unheard of character, action, object, or event.

readers know more about the situation going on than at least one of the characters involved.

when the narrative provides background information in order to help the reader understand what’s going on.

previous events split up present-day scenes in a story, usually to build suspense toward a big reveal.

when the author hints at events yet to come in a story. Similar to flashbacks

any part of the story that "frames" another part of it, such as one character telling another about their past, or someone uncovering a diary or a series of news articles that then tell the readers what happened.

a way of starting a narrative without exposition or contextual information.

the mode of narration in a story.

involves a character speaking their thoughts aloud, usually at length (and often in a Shakespeare play).

refers to the overall mood and message of your book.

what it sounds like: a blend of tragedy and comedy.