A literary element (or element of literature) is an individual aspect or characteristic of a whole work of literature. They are a type of literary device and are not to be confused with literary techniques.

Literary elements are not "used" by authors; rather, they exist inherently in forms of literature and are derived by the readers of a work in question. Theme, characterization, conflict, setting, protagonist, antagonist, and point of view are among the many literary elements in existence.

Literary elements are most frequently used to aid discussion on a work or to analyze or better understand a work of literature. The New York State English/Language Arts Regents also requires that students utilize and discuss literary elements relating to specific works in two of their four essays, as do many other high school statewide exams.

Literary elements

• antagonist
  
• characterization
  
• climax
  
• conflict
  
• falling action
  
• foil
  
• mood
  
• motif
  
• plot
  
• point of view
  
• protagonist
  
• resolution
  
• rising action
  
• setting
  
• speaker
  
• theme
  
• tone