Literary elements 1. Character 2. Plot 3. Conflict 4. Setting 5. Theme 6. Point of view 7. Literary genre 8. Literary devices 9. Figures of speech

Character Character can be revealed through the character's actions, speech, and appearance. It also can be revealed by the comments of other characters and of the author.

Types of characters that appear in many stories: The protagonist is the central character (person, animal, or personified object) in the plot's conflict. The antagonist is the force in conflict with the protagonist. It may be society, nature, or fate, as well as another person. It can also be the protagonist's own self, if he or she has an internal conflict.

Characters may also be classified as : Major: most important character around whom the action revolves. (protagonist or antagonist) Secondary: helps in the development of the major character(s). Minor: least important characters.

Other types of characters Dynamic or round : changes (complex) Static or flat : does not change (one-dimensional)

Plot Plot is the sequence of events which involves the characters in conflict.

Most plots have certain common elements: A story commonly begins with the preliminary action, an explanation of the initial situation and the condition of the characters. A plot usually continues with a problem, or complicating incident which the protagonist must meet or solve.

During the story, tension is built through a series of complications or incidents which either help or hinder the protagonist in finding a solution. This part is the rising action.

The climax is the peak or turning point of the action; at this point we know the solution. The falling action is the part after the climax. It gives any necessary explanation and ends with an outcome, the sense of at the end of the story that it is complete.

The order of the sequence of events looks like this: preliminary action complicating incident rising action climax falling action outcome

The ending of the story may be either open or closed: In a closed ending, the most usual one in children's books, readers feel that they know what will happen. The various parts of the plot are tied together satisfactorily, and the reader feels a sense of completion.

In an open ending, readers must draw their own conclusions; they do not know what will happen.

Conflict Conflict is the struggle between the protagonist and an opposing force. Several types of conflict may be present in any one story.

There are several types of conflict: Character vs character: the protagonist against someone else. Character vs society: happens when the protagonist is in conflict with the values of his or her society.

Character vs nature: takes place. when the protagonist is Character vs nature: takes place when the protagonist is threatened by an element of nature. Character vs self : occurs when the protagonist struggles within himself or herself. The protagonist is pulled by two courses of action or by differing emotions.

Setting Setting includes the place and the time period in which the story takes place.

Theme Theme is the underlying meaning of the story, a universal truth, a significant statement the story is making about society, human nature, or the human condition.

Themes must be clearly stated; one word is not usually enough Themes must be clearly stated; one word is not usually enough. To say that a book's theme is "friendship" is not clear. It may mean, "Friends are a person's most valuable possession." It may also mean, "Friends can never be trusted if their own interests are opposed to yours."

Point of view The point of view is the position from which the story is told. First person point of view: The narrator is the « I » of the story. Third person point of view: The narrator is not part of the story but is an individual who knows everything that happens.

Literary genre Fiction: stories that are made up without actual realism to them. Ex. science-fiction, romance, western, fantasy, crime, mystery. Non-fiction: real life story. Ex. essay, biography,autobiography

Literary devices Other elements which may be found in plots include: Foreshadowing is the planting of hints about what will happen later in the story. A flashback occurs when the author narrates an event that took place before the current time of the story.

Irony is a method of expression in which the author says one thing and means the opposite; the term also applies to a situation where the outcome of an event is opposite of what is expected. Ex: Choking on a life saver.

Imagery Imagery is a word or group of words which evoke a sensory impression in the reader’s mind. Ex. visual (sight), auditory (hearing), tactile (touch), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste).

Robert Procter was a good driver for so young a person Robert Procter was a good driver for so young a person. The turnpike curved gently ahead of him. Travel was light on this cool morning in May. The sun was bright but not glaring. The air smelled fresh and clean. He breathed in deeply. It was a good day for driving. He looked at the gray-haired woman sitting in the front seat with him. Her mouth was curved in a quiet smile. As she watched the trees and fields slip by on her side of the turnpike. Robert Procter looked back at the road. Her voice was as cool as the morning. He listened to the smooth purr of the engine.

Figures of speech Personification is done when applying human qualities to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena. Ex: The stars danced in the sky. Ex: The wind was whistling.

A hyperbole is an exaggeration or an overstatement of facts. Ex: I am so hungry I could eat a horse. Ex: Our house cost a bazillion dollars.

A metaphor is a comparison of two unlikely things without using the words like or as. Ex: Life is a rollercoaster. Ex: Laughter is music for the soul. Ex: My kid’s room is a disaster area.

The simile is the comparison of two unlikely things using the words like or as. Ex: My heart pounded like thunder. Ex: Maria is as pretty as a flower.