1. Elements of Fiction

2. Characters A character is a person, animal, or imaginary creature
2 Kinds of Characters:
Protagonist: main character or hero
Antagonist: another character which causes conflict for the protagonist. The antagonist can be a character, society, or object.

3. 5 Ways to Develop a Character:
Characterization
A description of individuals in a story
5 Ways to Develop a Character:
Physical Description of Character
Character’s Speech, Thought, and Actions
The Speech, Thoughts, and Actions of Other Characters
Eye-Awakening Situations
Direct Statement about Character

4. Setting
Where and When a story takes place

5. Plot The sequence of events in a story 5 Parts of Plot: Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution

6. Plot Diagram
Climax
Rising Action Falling Action
Exposition Resolution

7. Plot- Exposition -the beginning part of a story that: Sets the tone
Establishes the setting
Introduces characters
Gives the reader important background information

8. Plot- Rising Action
series of actions which lead the story to the climax

9. Plot- Climax “turning point” of the story
The climax is the point of maximum interest. It usually occurs toward the end of a story, after the reader has understood the conflict and become emotionally involved with the characters.
At the climax, the outcome of the plot becomes clear.

10. Plot- Falling Action occurs after the climax
conflicts are beginning to be resolved- loose ends are tied up

11. Plot- Resolution
part of the story where the problem or conflict is solved
occurs after the climax and falling action
“the end”

12. Conflict struggle between a character and an opposing force
2 Kinds of Conflict:
Internal Conflict
External Conflict

13. External Conflict
struggle between a character and an outside force such as society, nature, or another character
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Society
Man vs. Animal
Man vs. Machine

14. Internal Conflict struggle within a character’s mind
usually occurs when a character has to make a decision or to deal with feelings
Man Vs. Self

15. Theme
The underlying message in a story that deals with life or human nature
When determining theme, think about:
the title
the way a character changes and what they learn
Big ideas such as courage and freedom