Elements of Fiction

What happens to whom and when. Plot Structure The plot structure is simply the progress of the action of the story: What happens to whom and when.

Five Elements of Plot Exposition – introduction setting, character and sometimes conflict Rising Action – conflict intensifies Climax – an action or decision is made to impact the outcome of the story Falling Action – the consequence of the action or decision made at the climax Resolution – The conflict is resolved

Plot Diagram

Setting The time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting. For some stories the setting is very important, while for others it is not.

Setting a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc)

Setting a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c)  weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc?

Setting a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c)  weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? d)  social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local color (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)?

Setting a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c)  weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? d)  social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local color (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)? e)  mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story?  Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?

Characters A person, animal, or imaginary creature that takes part in the action of a story.

Characters Main – most important, impact the outcome of story Protagonist – the character central to the action of the story and attempting to overcome conflict Antagonist – the character who/that creates conflict Minor – interact with main characters, but do not impact the outcome of the story

Characters Dynamic – undergo changes as story progresses Static - remain the same throughout the story Round – character traits revealed in greater detail Flat – character traits are simply stated

Characterization 1. Description – physical appearance and personality 2. Background – personal history 3. Words and Deeds – what the character says and does 4. Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions 5. Reaction of Others – other characters thoughts, feelings, and actions toward a character

Conflict The struggle between opposing forces central to the action of the story. The protagonist struggles to overcome the conflict. The antagonist generally creates the conflict.

Conflict Person vs. Person – a problem with another character Person vs. Society – a problem with the laws or beliefs of a group Person vs. Nature – a problem with a force of nature/environment Person vs. Self – a problem deciding what to do or think Person vs. Fate – a problem that seems uncontrollable

Perspective The perspective or point of view from which the author presents a story. Who is narrating the story?

Perspective First Person Point of View – Story told by one of the characters using first person pronouns such as I or we. This narrator participates in much of the action of the story. The reader is limited to knowing only what that character knows, thinks, and feels.

Perspective Third Person Point of View Story is told by a narrator who is not a character in the story. The story told in third person pronouns such as he, she, and they. Omniscient - When the thoughts and feelings of all characters are revealed Limited Omniscient – thoughts and feelings of just one character, usually the protagonist are revealed

Verbal Irony An author or character says something, but means something else. What is said is often the opposite of what is meant. The character is aware of the irony. The reader is aware of the irony.

Dramatic Irony The reader knows something about a character’s situation that the character(s) does not know. The character is unaware of the irony. The reader is aware of the irony.

Situational Irony What actually happens is not what is expected to happen. Situational irony often defies logic. The character does not expect the outcome (irony). The reader does not expect the outcome (irony).

Foreshadowing A writer’s use of clues or hints to indicate events or situations that will occur later in the plot.

What is the writer’s message? Theme What’s the big idea? What is the writer’s message?

Theme The statement about life that the author wants to convey to the reader. A universal message that transcends space and time