The Elements of Fiction Plot Setting Character Point of View Theme

Plot The sequence of events in a story or play.  The plot is a planned, logical series of events having a BEGINNING, MIDDLE, and END. 

Plot Triangle… Exposition - The beginning of the story, where the characters and the setting are revealed. Rising Action - This is where the events in the story become complicated and the CONFLICT (problem) in the story is revealed and developed.

Climax - This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story.  The reader wonders what will happen next; will the conflict be resolved or not?

Falling action - The events and complications begin to resolve themselves.  The reader knows what has happened next and if the conflict was resolved or not (events between climax and denouement). Resolution - This is the final outcome or situation in the story.

STOP! Let’s fill out the plot triangle for “Charles”

Setting The time and location in which a story takes place. In some cases it will influence the plot, the characters, or the mood of the story.

Setting (continued) place - Where is the story taking place? time - When is the story taking place? weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created?

CHARACTER(s) The people in a work of fiction.

Character(s) Characterization is the way the author gives the reader information about the characters themselves.  The author may reveal a character in several ways: a) his/her physical appearance b)  what he/she says, thinks, feels and dreams c)  what he/she does or does not do d)  what others say about him/her and how others react to him/her

Character(s)… Some other important terms: Protagonist: character that is clearly central to the story with all major events having some importance to this character. The main character or hero. Antagonist: The opponent of the main character.

Let’s figure out Laurie’s characterization in “Charles” Quality 1 Proof from the story Quality 2 Quality 3

Point of View Point of view, (or p.o.v.) is defined as the perspective from which the story is told/narrated. “Who tells us the story?”

First Person – The story is told by the protagonist or one of the characters in the story. “I, me, we, etc”.  Third Person The author narrates the story.  Can move from character to character, event to event, expressing the thoughts, feelings and motivations of the characters.

Theme The author's message or main idea. Usually a message about life, society, or human nature.  The theme may in some cases be a moral.

Some simple examples of common themes from literature, TV, and film are: Things are not always as they appear to be Society tries to make us all the same Love is blind Believe in yourself People are afraid of change