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…
Author Surrogate
1. What is it? An author surrogate is a character inserted into a story to represent the author's ideas and feelings. Author surrogates are most often seen in stories that comment on social issues. This allows authors to share their views on science, politics, organisations, and controversial theories within a story. 2.…
Audience Surrogate
1. What is it? An audience surrogate is a character who acts on behalf of the audience within a story. This character watches the main action and asks the questions to which the audience wants to know the answers. The surrogate is often made the narrator. This allows the audience experience the story as…
Epistolary Voice
1. What is it? The epistolary voice is constructing the narrative through documents and letters. A variety of documents can be used, including letters, diaries, journals, court documents, and property deeds. 2. How is it made? A document or letter is presented to the document reveals a major part of the…
Unreliable Narrator
1. What is it? An unreliable narrator is a narrator whose version of events is not 100% guaranteed to be correct, or whose credibility is compromised and therefore cannot be wholly trusted. 2. How is it made? First person account by witness to flaws in witness, such as drug or…
Character Voice
1. What is it? Character voice is the voice - including thinking, acting and speaking - that is specific to a particular character. It helps illustrate a unique personality. 2. How is it made? Specific thoughts for each characterUse of accents and speech patterns. These often relate to geography or education. ‘Show, don’t tell’ approach…
Stream of Consciousness
1. What is it? Stream of consciousness writing reads like a person's continuous thoughts inside their head. It does not stop for deliberate plot points, etc., and can suddenly flit between ideas, just as thoughts do. It is also called an 'internal monologue'. 2. How is it made? Use of first…