Elements of Fiction
The plot structure is simply the progress of the action of the story:
What happens to whom and when.
Plot Structure
Five Elements of PlotExposition – introduction setting, character and sometimes conflict
Rising Action – conflict intensifiesClimax – an action or decision is made to impact the outcome of the story
Falling Action – the consequence of the action or decision made at the climax
Resolution – The conflict is resolved
Plot Diagram
SettingThe time and location in which a story
takes place is called the setting.
For some stories the setting is very
important, while for others it is not.
Setting
a) place - geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place? b) time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc)
Setting
a) place - geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place? b) time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c) weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc?
Setting
a) place - geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place? b) time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c) weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? d) social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local color (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)?
Settinga) place - geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place? b) time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c) weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? d) social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local color (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)? e) mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story? Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?
CharactersA person, animal, or imaginary creature that
takes part in the action of a story.
CharactersMain – most important, impact the
outcome of storyProtagonist – the character central to the action of the story and attempting to overcome conflict
Antagonist – the character who/that creates conflict
Minor – interact with main characters, but do not impact the outcome of the story
Characters
Dynamic – undergo changes as story progresses
Static - remain the same throughout the story
Round – character traits revealed in greater detail
Flat – character traits are simply stated
Characterization1. Description – physical
appearance and personality2. Background – personal history3. Words and Deeds – what the
character says and does4. Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions5. Reaction of Others – other
characters thoughts, feelings, and actions toward a character
ConflictThe struggle between opposing forces central to the action of the story.
The protagonist struggles to overcome the conflict.
The antagonist generally creates the conflict.
ConflictPerson vs. Person – a problem with
another characterPerson vs. Society – a problem with
the laws or beliefs of a groupPerson vs. Nature – a problem with
a force of nature/environmentPerson vs. Self – a problem
deciding what to do or thinkPerson vs. Fate – a problem that
seems uncontrollable
PerspectiveThe perspective or point of view from which the author presents a story.
Who is narrating the story?
PerspectiveFirst Person Point of View –
Story told by one of the characters using first person pronouns such as I or we.
This narrator participates in much of the action of the story.
The reader is limited to knowing only what that character knows, thinks, and feels.
PerspectiveThird Person Point of View
Story is told by a narrator who is not a character in the story.
The story told in third person pronouns such as he, she, and they.
Omniscient - When the thoughts and feelings of all characters are revealed
Limited Omniscient – thoughts and feelings of just one character, usually the protagonist are revealed
Verbal Irony An author or character says
something, but meanssomething else.
What is said is often the opposite of what is meant.
The character is aware of the irony. The reader is aware of the irony.
Dramatic IronyThe reader knows something about
a character’s situationthat the character(s) does not know.
The character is unaware of the irony.
The reader is aware of the irony.
Situational IronyWhat actually happens is not what
is expected to happen.Situational irony often defies logic.The character does not expect the
outcome (irony).The reader does not expect the
outcome (irony).
ForeshadowingA writer’s use of clues or hints to indicate
events
or situations that will occur later in the plot.
Theme
What’s the big idea?
What is the writer’s message?
ThemeThe statement about life that
the author wants to convey to
the reader.
A universal message that transcends space and time