Denote culture through color symbols. The meaning of colors in writing and literature changes depending upon the culture from which the works originate. Writers who use colors consciously in this way can challenge their readers to look at assumptions they make based on color and what it means in their culture. For example, the color red has different meaning in different cultures. In Western culture, red stands for passion or anger whereas in South African culture it symbolizes mourning.
Utilize color to convey a character's leitmotif. The term leitmotif comes from German literature and was originally a piece of music that was associated with a certain character in an opera or musical. However, the term has expanded to include other literary symbols like color. For example, the color green might always be associated with the villain in story, which alerts the reader that he's about to make an entrance.
Play with color in metaphor. Writers often use color to symbolize emotion in writing. Common ones include feeling blue, being green with envy or hating something with a purple passion. Using these symbols speaks to the reader in a language with which he is very familiar.
Create the setting of a story with color. For example, certain colors were popular in certain time periods like the psychedelic colors of the '60s, the bold colors of the '80s or even the ancient colors found in the days of Cleopatra. Writers trying to establish the setting of a particular time period should research what colors were popular during that era so that their writing carries a feel of authenticity.
Indicate matters of the spirit with color in literature. For example, colors had religious meaning in the Bible; they functioned as a type of spiritual shorthand. Modern religious writers can mimic this by using colors like blue to describe the Holy Spirit, black to symbolize death or red to symbolize atonement and sacrifice.