Language (words, imagery, dialogue) and structure (how a text is put together) are the methods used by authors to create effective characters, stories and themes.
When talking about language there are a number of things to look for:
Find out about the characters by looking closely at the words they use in dialogue. If they use long, difficult words, it might show how clever a character is (or thinks they are!).
Language also tells us a lot about the underlying ideas of a text. Words have two sets of meanings:
For example, the word 'desk' literally denotes a table, but it has connotations of work and study.
Words can reveal a theme, such as death, or love, or create a particular mood in a scene. For instance, specific words and phrases might be used to create tension.