What it is: Saying something is something else (not literal).

Purpose: Creates powerful images and makes descriptions more imaginative.

Examples:

• The castle was a sleeping giant, waiting to wake.

• Fear was a shadow crawling across the hero’s heart.

What it is: Giving human qualities to non-human things.

Purpose: Makes settings, creatures, and objects feel alive.

Examples:

• The trees whispered secrets as the knight passed.

• The sword hungered for battle.

What it is: An extreme exaggeration.

Purpose: Adds drama or humour to fantasy adventures.

Examples:

• The dragon’s roar shook the mountains to dust.

• The wizard had read a million spell books.

What it is: Repeating the same starting sound in nearby words.

Purpose: Creates rhythm and makes descriptions memorable.

Examples:

• Fiery flames flickered fiercely around the sorcerer’s tower.

• The silver serpent slithered silently.

What it is: Words that imitate sounds.

Purpose: Makes action scenes more exciting and real.

Examples:

• The dragon whooshed fire from its jaws.

• The door creaked open into the dungeon.

What it is: Using the same words or phrases multiple times.

Purpose: Adds emphasis and builds tension.

Examples:

• “Run! Run! Run!” cried the villagers.

• The hero climbed higher, higher, higher into the storm.

What it is: Characters talking to each other.

Purpose: Reveals personality, moves the story forward, adds drama.

Examples:

• “We cannot turn back now,” said Arin.

• “Then we walk into the darkness,” replied Kira.

What it is: Words chosen to make readers feel strong emotions.

Purpose: Helps readers connect with characters and their struggles.

Examples:

• The orphan knight stared at the battlefield, heartbroken and alone.

• She raised the sword, burning with rage.

Tactile Imagery (Touch)

• What it is: Descriptions that let the reader feel textures or sensations.

• Purpose: Makes the fantasy world feel physical and real.

• Examples:

  • The knight’s armour pressed cold and heavy against his skin.

  • The griffin’s feathers felt coarse yet warm beneath his hand.

What it is: Descriptions that help the reader see what is happening.

Purpose: Builds clear pictures of characters, creatures, settings, and magical objects.

Examples:

• The dragon’s scales shimmered like molten gold in the sunlight.

• A forest of crystal trees sparkled under a silver moon.

What it is: Descriptions that let the reader hear the world.

Purpose: Creates atmosphere, tension, and action through sound.

Examples:

• The clash of swords echoed through the valley.

• The banshee’s scream split the night air.

What it is: Descriptions that make the reader smell something.

Purpose: Evokes memory and mood, adding depth to settings.

Examples:

• The air reeked of smoke and sulphur from the dragon’s breath.

• Sweet jasmine drifted from the enchanted garden.

What it is: Descriptions that help the reader taste something.

Purpose: Makes magical food, potions, or poisons more vivid.

Examples:

• The potion burned like fiery pepper on her tongue.

• The feast was a mix of honeyed bread and spiced meat.