1. FICTION FIXTURES
Elements Of Fiction

2. SEVEN ELEMENTS OF A STORY
Elements of Fiction
Character
Setting
Conflict
Plot
Tone
Point of View
Theme
NOTE: Point of view is explored in depth in the Playing with Perspectives Presentation

3. CHARACTER ANALYSIS Guiding Questions
What does the character want? (objective)
What is in the character’s way? (obstacle)
Why does the character want what he wants? (motivation)
What is the character’s role in the story?
Sources of Evidence
What the character says
What the character does
What the character thinks
What other characters think and say about the character
Character Types
Round or Flat
Round = real with complex motivations
Flat=single characteristic or motivation
Static or Dynamic
Static=stays the same despite events
Dynamic=changed by story events

4. SETTING ANALYSIS Elements: Place, Time, Set up Mood
General or Specific
Symbols
Related to characters
Related to conflict
Changes
What elements are described (i.e. time, weather)?
What mood is conveyed through the setting?
Is the time and/or place specific or general?
Does the setting itself represent something?
Is setting connected to a character? How?
Is setting part of the conflict?
How does the setting change?

5. CONFLICT ANALYSIS Concrete conflict types:
Internal (the character in conflict with himself)
External Interpersonal (the character in conflict with another character)
External Social (the character in conflict with society)
External Environmental (the character in conflict with the environment)
Conflict subject types are:
Psychological (in the minds and emotions of the characters).
Physical (affecting the bodies of the characters).
Ethical (challenging the beliefs and values of the characters).
Abstract conflict deals with the themes of a story.

6. PLOT ANALYSIS – PARTS OF A PLOT

7. TYPES OF PLOTS This is a single plot that does not rise to a climax.
This is a single plot that rises to a climax.
A story may have multiple plots that coincide as they spiral to a climax together.
A story may have multiple plots that develop without coming together.

8. QUESTIONS TO ASK FOR TONE ANALYSIS
What is the subject of the story (desire, escape, redemption, loss)?
What word choices (diction) convey the author’s attitude?
What is the author’s attitude toward the subject?
What imagery conveys the author’s attitude?
QUESTIONS TO ASK FOR TONE ANALYSIS

9. THEME ANALYSIS
The goal of reading literature is to understand and interpret the theme.
Analyzing the other elements of fiction provides insight into the theme.
What is the subject?
What message is the author sending about the subject?
What lesson or observation about life is conveyed to the audience?