1. Story Literary Elements
Some basics that every good story must have ….

2. Every story needs characters
People
Animals
Or Creatures

3. The protagonist is the “good guy” who’ll battle against the main conflict

4. The antagonist is the “bad guy” or force that has opposition to the protagonist—causes conflict

5. Great stories have a conflict… the central problem or dilemma the character (s) must battle against either physically or emotionally
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Society
Man vs. Machine
Man vs. Himself

6. External Conflict: Man vs. Man
“The new one is the most beautiful of all; he is so young and pretty.” And the old swans bowed their heads before him.
Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head under his wing; for he did not know what to do, he was so happy, and yet not at all proud. He had been persecuted and despised for his ugliness, and now he heard them say he was the most beautiful of all the birds.
The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson

7. External C: Man vs. Nature
“Priscilla was always ready for anything. She did very well in love and business because she knew that nothing could last forever. She knew that nothing could surprise her completely. She felt this way until the day she fell into the frozen pond…
She was afraid for a second or two but quickly got control of herself. She was a good swimmer and the pond wasn’t Lake Superior. All she had to do was find the hole in the ice and get out. She pointed her feet downward, feeling for the bottom, but she only felt more water. She knew she couldn’t do much without air…”
Priscilla and the Pond by John Savage

8. External C: Man vs. Society
This type of conflict has the main character in conflict with a larger group: a community, society, culture, etc.
“I’m tired of living in a hole,” said Jenny.
“Let’s fight for freedom!” cried Bouncer. “We’ll be soldiers! Rough-riding Rowdies! I’ll be the general and commander-in-chief!”
The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg

9. Complications are minor problems which arise along the way—these problems build suspense in the plot.

10. A clue or hint about what will happen next is called foreshadowing
For example, if you hear this:
Then you know someone’s about to get eaten!

11. The time and place of the story is the setting

12. The climax is the suspense-fillled turning point

13. Subplots are lesser important plots within the original plot
Subplots are lesser important plots within the original plot. They offer readers important background info. on the characters of events that happen

14. Parallel Episodes are events that are repeated in a row for emphasis or importance.

15. The resolution of the story occurs when the conflict has finally and totally been solved—it’s the end!

16. Whether you’re the reader, or the writer, a great story includes all these literary elements!!!
foreshadowing
protagonist
conflict
climax
characters
setting
antagonist
resolution