1. http://flocabulary.com/fivethings/

2. ELEMENTDEFINITION STORY EXAMPLE IF…THEN Plot Setting Character Conflict Theme

3. Elements of Story Plot Series of events Setting Sets the scene: where and when Character People in the story who carry out the action Conflict Struggle in the plot that creates the drama Theme The main idea, the central belief

4. Interaction of Elements Story elements interact with one another to shape the story. If one were changed, it would affect all the others. These ideas are easily stated in “if…then” statements. If Marji didn’t live in war-torn Iran (SETTING), then she wouldn’t have strong views about politics (CHARACTER). If Sundiata wasn’t strong and determined (CHARACTER), then he wouldn’t have overcome his disability (PLOT). If Tom Vincent hadn’t nearly died in the wild (PLOT), then we wouldn’t learn that you should never travel alone (THEME).

5. ELEMENTDEFINITION STORY EXAMPLE IF…THEN Plot Series of events Gatsby tries to win Daisy back by gaining wealth and class. If Gatsby hadn’t tried to chase Daisy (PLOT), the he would have never have moved to Long Island (SETTING). Setting Sets the scene: where and when Long Island and New York City in the 1920’s If it hadn’t been the 1920’s (SETTING), then Daisy wouldn’t be so concerned with class (CONFLICT). Character People in the story who carry out the action Gatsby is a man trying to achieve his dreams; Daisy is a careless girl; Nick is an observer If Daisy hadn’t been shallow (CHARACTER), then it would show dreams are worth fighting for (THEME). Conflict Struggle in the plot that creates the drama Gatsby trying to win Daisy and his own self worth through wealth and status. If Gatsby hadn’t felt lower class because of his obsession with money (CONFLICT), he wouldn’t have chased Daisy to complete him (PLOT). Theme The main idea, the central belief Some dreams aren’t worth chasing. If the story didn’t show that some dreams aren’t worth chasing (THEME), then Gatsby wouldn’t have died (PLOT).