1. Prose Fiction CHAPTER 6 PowerPoint Presentation by JoAnn Yaworski
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

2. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Setting
Authors establish setting either through direct statements or inference of the following:
Place: the location or geographical area where the action occurs
Time: the time of day, season, or historical period when the action occurs
Atmosphere: the emotions associated with the story’s physical environment
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3. Plot The plot of a story refers to the action—the sequence of events:
CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Plot
The plot of a story refers to the action—the sequence of events:
The action progresses toward a believable conclusion.
Individual incidents or episodes are connected logically.
What happened?
What was the outcome?
Why did it happen?
What will happen next?
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4. Plot Conflicts occur in the plot to create moments of tension:
CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Plot
(Continued)
Conflicts occur in the plot to create moments of tension:
Characters defy society or other individuals.
Characters cope with dangerous surroundings
Characters struggle with their own emotions
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

5. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Point of View
The narrator tells the story and determines the way you see people, actions, and situations—the point of view. There are two types of narrator:
Outside narrator
Character narrator
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6. Point of View The outside narrator . . .
CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Point of View
(Continued)
The outside narrator . . .
Does not participate in the conflict of the story
Usually is not a character, but a voice relating a story from a distance
Recounts the characters’ experiences and may tell you about their thoughts and feelings as if able to read their minds
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

7. Point of View The character narrator . . .
CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Point of View
(Continued)
The character narrator . . .
Is invented by the author to tell the story
Participates in the action
Gives a firsthand report of what he or she is experiencing
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

8. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Characterization
Characterization refers to the methods an author uses to present his or her characters:
Outside narrator’s comments
Other character’s comments
Dialogue
Scenes depicting characters in action
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

9. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Characterization
(Continued)
With an outside narrator, you learn about a character from the narrator’s point of view in relating . . .
How a character looks
Background information
What a character is thinking
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

10. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Characterization
(Continued)
When a character is a narrator, you learn about the narrator and the other characters he or she knows through the narrator’s . . .
Comments about the other characters
Descriptions of the other characters
Relationships with other characters
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

11. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Characterization
(Continued)
When reading dialogue, ask yourself the following questions to help you learn about the characters:
What is the topic of conversation?
What is the literal meaning of the speaker’s statements?
Does the speaker’s tone emphasize or change the literal meaning?
What does the dialogue reveal about the character’s personality and background?
What does the dialogue reveal about the character’s relationship with others?
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

12. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Characterization
(Continued)
When reading a scene depicting characters in action, ask yourself the following questions to help you learn about the characters:
Is the character drawn toward threatening or safe situations?
Does the character behave responsibly or irresponsibly?
Do the character’s motives show selfishness, adventure, or concern for others?
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

13. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Figurative Language
A simile is a comparison using the word Iike or as.
The years folded up like pocket handkerchiefs.
A metaphor is an implied comparison in which the writer states that something is something else.
The passing years have become folded handkerchiefs.
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

14. Figurative Language To interpret figurative language . . .
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Figurative Language
(Continued)
To interpret figurative language . . .
Identify the comparison between two different things.
Picture the two images being compared.
Determine the author’s purpose in making the comparison.
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

15. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Theme
The theme is the underlying meaning of a story. It is usually based on one of the following subjects:
Beliefs and opinions about life
Attitudes toward political or social issues
Perceptions about human nature and relationships
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

16. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
Theme
(Continued)
The following fictional elements often suggest the theme of a story:
The influence of the setting on the characters and their actions
The significance of important events
The characters’ observations about life and human behavior
The author’s comments and observations about life and human behavior
The language the author uses to tell the story
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

17. CHAPTER 6: Prose Fiction
THE END
Practice the skills you learned in this chapter by taking the Chapter Review Quiz or the GED Practice Quiz.
Copyright © 2003 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.