1. Story Elements

2. Plot
The main story of a literary work. The thread of situations that occur in the story.
A plot always:
Begins with a problem or conflict experienced by the main character
Builds to a turning point (will the main character succeed or fail?)
Ends with the resolution of the problem/conflict

5. Parts of Plot

6. Character
The people or personae who are involved in the plot of a literary work
Characteristics:
Usually one or two main characters who experience a problem/conflict
At the turning point, the character must make a choice which will determine whether it succeeds or fails in resolving a problem/conflict.
Character grows/changes as a result of experiences in the story.

7. Setting
The time, place, mood and atmosphere in which the literary work occurs
Characteristics of Setting:
Sometimes very important to the story. Example: if related to problem/conflict, as in historical fiction and survival stories.
Sometimes could be anywhere or anytime (“the present”)

8. Theme The main idea of a literary work; the author’s message.
Characteristics of theme:
The ideas the author
wants to reader to think
about when the story is
over.
What the author wants us to learn about life from the main character’s experiences