1. Elements of Literature
Plot, Setting, Conflict, Mood, and Theme

2. What is Plot? The plot is a causal sequence of events.
The “why” of the story.
The plot is the way in which the story’s events are arranged.
There are five (5) elements of plot
Exposition- introduces the main characters and their relationships
Rising Action- introduces the main character’s conflict and the struggles to overcome obstacles.
Climax- the turning point of the story.
Falling Action- loose ends are being tied up, but it still may be the most tense moment of the plot.
Resolution- the final confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist; the end of the work is decided.

3. What is Setting?
The setting is the time, location, and social context of a work of literature.
The setting is the main backdrop for the story.
Example: In Romeo & Juliet, the setting is ancient Verona, Italy. The setting also includes the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, because this relationship is the social context and the backdrop of the story.

4. What is Conflict?
Internal Conflict
External Conflict
A struggle that takes place in the (main) character’s mind.
Example: Choosing between right and wrong.
Man vs. Himself
A struggle between the (main) character and an outside, opposing force.
Example: Romeo struggling against Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet.
Man vs. Nature, Man vs. man.

5. What is Mood? Mood is the atmosphere created by the setting.
Mood is also set by the actions of the characters in a piece of literature.
Mood also creates a way for the reader to relate emotionally to writing.
Example: Sadness tragedy, Happiness comedy
Mood and tone, though seemingly similar, are very different! How?
Tone is the writer’s attitude towards a subject in their writing, as indicated by word choice, imagery, and sentence structure. **Think of your tone of voice when you speak to people!
Mood is the feeling of the entire work.

6. What is Theme?
Theme is the main idea, or recurrent topic, of a piece of literature, art, or discourse.
Themes often represent abstract ideas, such as courage, love, family, and values.
Some may say it is the “moral” of the story; this is superficial, but it may help you conceptualize what theme actually is.