The Elements of Fiction

So....What is fiction?

What is Fiction? Fiction is the telling of stories that are not real. It may be based on real people, real events in history, or real places, but the events in the story did not take place.

Sub-genres of Fiction Different kinds of fiction Contemporary Realistic Fiction Historical Fiction Science Fiction Fantasy Short Story Horror Mystery

The Elements of Fiction Plot Setting Characters Conflict Theme Point-of-View

Plot The plot is the sequence of events in the story. (It is the storyline. Shows the arrangement of the story.) Introduction Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Setting The setting is the time and location in which the story takes place. The setting sets the tone for the story.

Characters All fiction stories have characters. These characters can be entirely fictional or may be based on real, historical people. Protagonist- the main character Antagonist- The character directly opposed to the main character.

Character Development Fiction writers develop their characters by: Showing the character's actions. Showing the character's thoughts. Showing another person's thoughts about the character.

Character Development Round vs. Flat characters Round- realistic and convincing. They are sometimes true to life with many different personality traits. Flat- unrealistic; shallow; lacking the depth of a round character with only 1 or 2 personality traits. Dynamic vs. Static characters Dynamic- Character who changes significantly throughout the story, usually because something happens to them. Static- Character who doesn't make drastic changes throughout the story. They stay the same!

Conflict The dramatic struggle between opposing forces. Conflict drives the plot of the story. Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society Man vs. Self

Theme The central message or underlying meaning that the author wants to convey to the reader. The subject is the topic on which the author chooses to write. The theme, however, makes some statement about or expresses an opinion on that subject. May be implied or stated directly.

Point-of-View The voice of the story First Person Third Person Objective Third Person Limited Third Person Omniscient