Elements of Fiction & Non-fiction

What is Fiction? Fiction works include made-up characters, and a made-up series of events, called the plot. Fictional writing is told (narrated) by a speaker called the narrator. Fiction is told from a certain perspective, or point of view. First-person point of view is the perspective of a character in the story. Third-person point of view is the perspective of a narrator outside the story. Works of fiction often include a theme, or message, about life.

Types of Fiction Novels- long works of fiction. Elements included- characters, plot, conflict, and setting. In addition to the main plot a novel may contain one or more subplots, or independent related stories. Novellas- shorter than novels but longer than short stories Short Stories- brief works of fiction. Same elements as novels and novellas but tend to focus on one main plot with a single conflict.

Elements of Nonfiction Nonfiction deals only with real people, events, or ideas. Narrated from the point of view, or perspective, of the author, who is a real person. Nonfiction presents facts or discusses concepts It may reflect the historical context of the time period, including references to major social and cultural information.

Types of Nonfiction Biographies- tell the story of someone’s life from the perspective of another writer Autobiographies- tell the story of the author’s life and reflect the writer’s thoughts and feelings about events. Letters- are written forms of communication from one person to another. Journals & Diaries- records of daily events and writer’s thoughts & feelings about them. Can be private or public. Essays & articles- brief written works about a specific topic. Purpose might be to explain, persuade, or inform. Informational Texts- written documents such as textbooks, applications, instructions, and articles.