1. Elements of Literature

2. Literary Genres Fiction Poetry Drama Nonfiction
Short stories, novels, novellas, folk tales
Poetry
Haiku, limericks, narrative poems
Drama
Comedies, historical dramas, teleplays
Nonfiction
Autobiographies, essays, news articles, biographies, speeches, feature articles

3. Elements of Literature
Plot
The action of the story
Characters
The persons or animals involved in the action
Setting
Where and when the action takes place
Theme
The big idea behind the story – what the story is really about
Conflict
A struggle between different forces.
Internal conflict – struggle within a character’s mind – deals with opposing thoughts or feelings
External conflict – struggle between a character and an outside force – another character, group of characters, or nature

4. Stages of plot Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action
Introduces the setting and the characters
Sets up or hints at the conflict
Rising action
Shows how the conflict unfolds and becomes more complicated
Builds suspense
Climax
Is the most exciting moment and the turning point
Often results in a change for the main character
Falling action
Eases suspense
Reveals how the main character begins to resolve the conflict
Resolution
Ties up loose ends
Sometimes offers an unexpected twist before the story ends