What literary devices are used in short stories?

Writers use literary devices to create a special effect and to reduce the length of their writing. Foreshadowing, for example, can help create a mood of suspense as well as prepare the reader for the next event. There are many different types of literary devices available to writers. The most common types are discussed below.

Irony is created when there is a discrepancy between an expected outcome and an actual outcome. It would be ironic that a person purposely tries to get fired and ends up with a promotion.

Foreshadowing hints at the future. Writers leave clues that can help you predict the outcome of a story. A character might say she has a bad feeling, for example.

Mystery keeps readers interested in reading a story. It is created by presenting incomplete observations, using foreshadowing, or using 1st person narration.

Stereotyping creates flat characters. Specific and generalized traits are attributed to a character or characters. These characteristics may be either negative or positive.

Understatement is used to highlight important events by purposely down playing the importance or significance of the event.

Humour is used to entertain a reader. It may also serve as a distraction from more serious events. Writers may use jokes, irony, dialogue, satire, or hyperbole to create humour.

When you find a literary device, try to determine why the writer used it and decide if it was used effectively.