The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

an interest in or concern for the abstract, speculative, or fantastic, the opposite of realism

the direct opposite, a sharp contrast, n literature is used to create a balance between opposite qualities and lend a greater insight into the subject

the inclusion of a humorous character or scene to contrast with the tragic elements of a work, thereby intensifying the next tragic event.

Use of the morbid or absurd for darkly comic purposes.

the reader/audience is aware of pertinent information or circumstances of which the characters are not. Therefore, the reader is left in suspense or conflict until the situation or information is revealed to the characters involved

a literary or dramatic character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude due to events in the text

Mixing of actual historical events with fictional evens with out clearly defining which is fact or fiction

A secondary story or stories embedded in the main story

The acknowledgment of previous literary works within another literary work.

fiction in which the author self-consciously alludes to the artificiality or literariness of a work by parodying or departing from novelistic conventions and traditional narrative techniques.

a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is directly applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, for illustrative purposes or to highlight the similarities between two different ideas, activities, or objects.

characterized by an economy with words and a focus on description. The writer may eschew adverbs and prefer allowing context to dictate meaning.

not denoting, involving, or arranged in a straight line.

A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.

A Postmodern writing element in which a writer distorts time. Plot is organized non-chronologically; time can be missing or fragmented. A purposeful distortion of a story's chronology.