Unit 1 Elements of Literature

 Plot  Setting  Characters  Conflict  Theme Parts of a Story

 Plot = the events in the story  Traditional Plot = 5 stages  Exposition  Rising Action  Climax  Falling Action  Resolution Plot

 Introduces:  Setting  Characters  Sets the stage  Reveals the conflict Exposition

 Introduces:  Obstacles  Complications  Events and dialogue that propel the action  Builds suspense Rising Action

 Turning point in the story  Moment of greatest suspense  Conflict - most intense/dramatic Climax

 Reveals the outcome of the climax  Eases the suspense  Shows how the main character resolves the conflict Falling Action

 Reveals the story’s outcome  Ties up the loose ends Resolution

Setting  Time (When)  Hour  Day  Year  Season  Historical Period  Location (Where)  Town / City  State  Country  Region  Society

 Character Traits  Physical Appearance  Speech / Thoughts / Actions  Other Character’s Impressions Character

 Direct Characterization  Ex: Bob is 5 feet tall and has brown hair.  Indirect Characterization  Ex: Bob blushed when Sue walked by.  Protagonist  Central character of the story  Antagonist  Opposes the main character / “Bad Guy” Character

 Internal Conflict  Struggle takes place within the character’s mind  Thoughts / Feelings / Choices  External Conflict  Struggle takes place with an outside force  Character / Nature / Society Conflict

 Person v. Self  I can’t decide what to do about…  Self-esteem (reputation)  Drugs / Alcohol / Anorexia / Bulimia / etc.  Mixed feelings or emotions  Do what is right or wrong?  Examples  Should I do my homework or watch the new episode of Pretty Little Liars tonight?  Should I be nice to the nerdy kid or make fun of him like everyone else is?  Should I start a fight with the bully or walk away? Internal Conflict

 Person vs. Person  Two friends fighting  Batman vs. Joker  Person vs. Nature  Person stuck in a snowstorm  Family stranded on a boat during a thunderstorm  Person vs. Society  Person laid off from their job – can’t pay their bills. External Conflict

 Theme:  Underlying message  Teaches the reader a lesson  Message about life  Universal Theme