* First-person narration: The entire story is told from Greg Heffley's perspective, giving the reader a direct and personal view of his thoughts and feelings. This creates a sense of intimacy and allows for humor stemming from Greg's often-flawed perspective.
* Humor: The book relies heavily on situational comedy, slapstick humor, and Greg's own quirky personality to create laughter. Many of the humorous moments stem from Greg's attempts to navigate the awkward situations he finds himself in.
* Satire: The book subtly satirizes common aspects of middle school life, such as social hierarchies, peer pressure, and the importance of fitting in.
* Simile and Metaphor: Though not used excessively, Greg occasionally uses similes and metaphors to describe his experiences. This can be seen in the example "My brain felt like it was going to explode" or "My dad was like a robot, programmed to follow the rules".
* Understatement: Greg often downplays his own mishaps and struggles, adding to the humor of the situation. For example, he might describe a particularly embarrassing incident as "a little awkward," when it was actually a major disaster.
* Irony: Irony is present in many situations, particularly when Greg's attempts to improve his situation often backfire. This creates a comedic effect and highlights the absurdity of some of Greg's actions.
While these devices aren't as complex as in some other works, they serve to enhance the storytelling and create a unique and engaging reading experience for young readers.