Elements of a Novel/Short Story

Plot: the sequence of events in a novel right

Define the Parts of the Plot Exposition: the start of the story – includes setting, characters, and conflict

Define the Parts of the Plot Rising Action: the series of conflicts in the story that lead to the climax

Rising Action Intensifies the main conflict in the story Intensifies the main conflict in the story

Define the Parts of the Plot Climax: the turning point of the story; the most intense/exciting moment

Define the Parts of the Plot Falling Action: action begins to decrease and loose ends begin to be tied up

Define the Parts of the Plot Resolution: the solving of the problem/conflict

Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax Exposition: the start of the story - includes setting, characters and conflict Resolution: the solving of the problem/conflict Falling Action: the action winds down; loose ends begin to be tied up

Setting – the time and place in which a story is set Functions of Setting Can help develop character Can help develop character Can be a part of the story – natural occurrences can become a “ character ” in the story- can be the antagonist Can be a part of the story – natural occurrences can become a “ character ” in the story- can be the antagonist Can emphasize the theme Can emphasize the theme Establishes the Establishes the mood/atmosphere mood/atmosphere

Characters – People in the story Types of Characters Protagonist – main character in story – can be good or bad Protagonist – main character in story – can be good or bad Antagonist – character or force who struggles against the protagonist Antagonist – character or force who struggles against the protagonist Dynamic – changes during the story Dynamic – changes during the story Static – stays the same during the story Static – stays the same during the story Round – has many different characteristics (you know a lot about him) Round – has many different characteristics (you know a lot about him) Flat -- has only one or two traits (you don ’ t know a lot about him Flat -- has only one or two traits (you don ’ t know a lot about him Foil-- character who is used as a contrast to another character Foil-- character who is used as a contrast to another character

Characterization Direct Characterization  Directly describing a character Direct Characterization  Directly describing a character Shaquille O ’ Neal, an NBA basketball superstar, is one of the tallest players in the league, standing 7 ’ 3 ” tall.

Characterization Indirect Characterization  Describing a character through his actions, words, and what others think or say about him. Indirect Characterization  Describing a character through his actions, words, and what others think or say about him. As Shaq came through the classroom door, he had to duck down to keep from hitting his head. He told the teacher, “ Let me wipe that dust off your ceiling fan. ” One of the students thought – that ’ s the biggest guy I ’ ve ever seen!

Conflict – Struggle between opposing forces Types of Conflict: Human versus human Human versus self Human versus society

More Conflicts Human versus fate Human versus fate Human versus nature Human versus nature Human versus supernatural Human versus supernatural Human versus technology Human versus technology

Point of View Perspective from which the story is told Perspective from which the story is told Narrator of story Narrator of story 1st Person – Narrator is a character in the story and is telling the story. (Has I ” ) My sister and I went to the store. 3rd Person Omniscient – Person telling the story is not a character in the story – is “ all knowing ” narrator – knows what all characters are thinking, saying, and doing Mary and her sister went to the store; they both thought the cashier was friendly and would give them a deal.

Point of View continued… 3 rd Person Objective – Person telling the story is not a character in the story – only tells what they see and hear. Like a reporter. Does not know thoughts. Mary and her sister went to the store; the cashier was friendly and gave them a deal. Mary said, “ Thanks. ” 3rd Person Limited -Narrator telling the story is not a character in the story – only focuses on one character in the story Mary went to the store and thought the cashier was friendly, so she asked for directions to the mall.

Theme What Does It Mean? A statement about life that the author is communicating through the selection. A statement about life that the author is communicating through the selection. It is the message that unifies the work. It is the message that unifies the work. It is the main idea of the work. It is the main idea of the work. Stated theme  obvious or clear theme. Sometimes the author tells the reader the lesson a character learned in life. Implied theme  Reader must use clues in the story to find the theme Universal theme  Themes that are common to most human situations

Mood - the feeling/atmosphere of the story What tone does this suggest? What ’ s the tone here?

Tone The author ’ s attitude toward the subject The author ’ s attitude toward the subject Tone is expressed through the author ’ s choice of words. Tone is expressed through the author ’ s choice of words. Example - “ The girl stomped into the room, grabbing her purse and stormed out of the room. ” Tone – ??? Example - “ The girl stomped into the room, grabbing her purse and stormed out of the room. ” Tone – ??? Example – “ The girl skipped into the room, gently caressed her purse and glided out of the room. ” Tone - ??? Example – “ The girl skipped into the room, gently caressed her purse and glided out of the room. ” Tone - ???

Tone or mood? What ’ s the difference?