Plot Devices
What are they? Plot devices are techniques and tricks commonly used in building the structure of a story. Backstory The history of the character or setting prior to the book’s story beginning. It is usually told in the early stages in order to better understand the scene and character ;Chekhov’s Gun The…
The Dramatic Structure
What is it? Dramatic structure is the idea that storytelling follows a set pattern, in order to create drama. The most popular theory is that described by German writer Gustav Freytag (1816-1895). He based his theory on studies of Greek and Shakespearean works, ultimately coming to identify an arc consisting…
Basic Plots
What are they? A basic plot is a common plot structure that has been used countless times before. It may also be called a standard plot. Although not universally accepted, a theory exists that says the majority of stories follow one of a limited number of plots. Overcoming the Monster The…
Basic Character Models
What are they? A basic character model is a familiar type of character that appears in numerous stories. Not all characters fit into a basic character model. Russian scholar Vladimir Propp devised an outline of common basic characters. Hero The main protagonist. This is the person who is sent on the…
Literary Genres
What are they? Works of art with similar styles and themes are categorised in genres. These genres become a canon of works horror writing, adventure writing. Writers working in these genres may expect their work to be compared to other work within the genre. It is possible for art to…
Literary Forms
What are they? Writing can come in many different forms. These forms are the core structural component, framing the length and style of writing. Within basic forms, there exist sub-forms. Forms play an important role in what readers read, as individuals have preferences and certain forms receive greater market space.…
Multiperspectivity
1. What is it? Multiperspectivity is when a single event or person is described by different voices. This allows differing accounts of the same incident or character. In fiction it is a tool to reveal more about characters and events. In history, it is a necessary tool in order to better understand…
Magical Realism
1. What is it? Magical realism is the layering of 'magical' elements on top of a realistic setting. The magical elements can be presented as ideas from folklore (magic, supernatural beings, etc.) or phenomena that differs from everyday human reality. Magical realism must retain its basis in reality. In this way…
Defamiliarization
1. What is it? Defamiliarization is a descriptive technique in which things that the reader usually takes for granted are presented in a way that is unusual or unfamiliar. It is an effort to change what would appear ordinary if written in a normal manner into something extraordinary or unique. 2. How…
Breaking the Fourth Wall
1. What is it? The 'fourth wall' is an imaginary barrier between the story and the reader. It ensures the story’s protagonists do not acknowledge the audience. The idea comes from theatre, where the fourth wall of a room is imagined. Both the audience and actors pretend it is there so the…