A
literary element is a constituent of all works of
narrative fiction—a necessary feature of verbal storytelling that can be found in any written or spoken narrative. This distinguishes them from
literary techniques, or non-universal features of literature that accompany the construction of a particular work rather than forming the essential characteristics of all narrative. For example,
plot,
theme, character and
tone are literary elements, whereas
figurative language,
irony, or
foreshadowing would be considered literary techniques.