Elements of Fiction Parts of a Story

Setting Time Place

Character Main character is the protagonist. He, she or it drives the story. If the protagonist has an enemy or someone who is trying to stop them they are called an antagonist.

Plot The action of story Conflict drives it. There are (usually) four parts to it.

Exposition Sets up the background information- Act 1 Man versus Man (Protagonist versus Antagonist) Man versus Nature Man versus Self Act 1

Complications (Rising Action) Things that make it difficult for the main character to complete his actions. Act 2

Climax The turning point where the character can not go back to what was before. Act 3

Falling Action The Falling action is the part of a story, usually found in tragedies and short stories, following the climax and showing the effects of the climax.

Resolution (Conclusion) What happens after In comedies people get married. In tragedies people die. Act 4 Some endings are closed (complete) and some are open (incomplete)

Theme Crime does not pay. Family and people are important. Main idea or message of the story. Stories can have many themes. Crime does not pay. Family and people are important.

Foreshadowing Foreshadowing is a technique used by authors to provide clues for the reader to be able to predict what might occur later in the story. In other words, it is a technique in which an author drops subtle hints about plot developments to come later in the story.

Flashback In history, film, television and other media, a flashback (also called analepsis) is an interjected scene that takes the story back in time from the current point the story has reached. Flashbacks are often used to recount events that fill in important backstory. Character origin flashbacks specifically refers to flashbacks dealing with key events early in a character's development (Clark Kent discovering he could fly). In the opposite direction, a flashforward (or prolepsis) reveals events that will occur in the future. The technique is used to create suspense in a story, or develop a character. (the Lost tv show did this)

Point-of-view character: The character from whose perspective (theme) the audience experiences the story. This is the character that represents the point of view the audience will empathize, or at the very least, sympathize with. Therefore this is the "Main" Character. 1st person – I 2nd person – you 3rd person – he or she

Protagonist and Antagonist The protagonist is driver of the action of the story, the main character. The antagonist is usually the enemy of the main character. Sometimes stories are told from the point of view of the antagonist- Megamind.

Character Types Static character: Dynamic character: Foil: Supporting character: Minor character:

Static character: A character who does not significantly change during the course of a story. Cinderella's Stepmother. Mean in the beginning - mean in the end. Spongebob Squarepants and almost every cartoon character. Does not change

Dynamic character: A character who undergoes character development during the course of a story. The Ugly Duckling

Foil: The character that contrasts to the protagonist in a way that illuminates their personality or characteristic. Harry Potter and - Malfoy, Ron and Hermione Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson Doctor Who and Amy Pond

Supporting character: A character that plays a part in the plot, but is not major

Minor character: A character in a bit/cameo part.