Elements of a Novel

Elements of Novel Setting

The time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting There are several aspects of a story's setting to consider when

examining how setting contributes to a story 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)?

e)  mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story?  Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?

Elements of a Novel Plot

The plot is how the author arranges events to develop his basic idea It is the sequence of events in a story or play.  The plot is a planned, logical series of events having a beginning, middle, and

end. 

5 essential parts of plot:  

a)  Introduction - The beginning of the story where the characters and the setting is revealed.

b)  Rising Action - This is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is.

c)  Climax - This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story.  The reader wonders what will happen next; will the conflict be resolved or not?

d)  Falling action - The events and complications begin to resolve themselves.  The reader knows what has happened next and if the conflict was resolved or not (events between climax and denouement).

e)  Denouement - This is the final outcome or untangling of events in the story.

Elements of a Novel Structure of Plot

Climax

Rising Action Falling Action

Denouement

IntroductionThe beginning of the story where the characters and the setting is revealed.

This is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is.

The events and complications begin to resolve themselves.

This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story.

This is the final outcome or untangling of events in the story.

Characterization Characterization is the process by which the writer

reveals the personality of a character. Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.

CHARACTER -- There are two meanings for the word character: 1)  The person in a work of fiction. 2)  The characteristics of a person.

Persons in a work of fiction - Antagonist and Protagonist Protagonist - character is clearly central to the story with all major events having some importance to this character. 

Antagonist - The opposer of the main character.

Characterization

Direct Characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well

mannered and did not disobey their mother.” Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the

personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character.

5 Methods of Indirect Characterization Acronym: S T E A L Speech What does the character say? How

does the character speak? Thoughts What is revealed through the

character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on others toward the character. What is

revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Types of Characters Flat/Static - A flat character is a minor character

in a work of fiction who does not undergo substantial change or growth in the course of a story. Flat characters play a supporting role to the main

character.

Round/Dynamic - A round character is a major character in a work of fiction who encounters conflict and is changed by it. They probably seem as real to you as people you

know in real life. This is a good sign that they are round characters.

THEME The theme in a piece of fiction is its controlling idea or its central insight.  It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that he is trying to convey.  The theme may be the author's thoughts about a topic or view of human nature. 

Thematic Idea vs. Theme Thematic idea – an idea expressed in a

few words about what the central idea is in the literary work.

Theme – a completed thought, written in 1-2 sentences, consisting of the thematic idea and how it applies specifically to the literary work.

Man Struggles Against Societal Pressure

Crime Does Not Pay

Overcoming Adversity

Revolutionary Road introduces the reader to characters who know how society says they should live, but feel society's dictation is contrary to what makes them happy. (theme)

Man Struggles Against Societal Pressure (thematic idea)

A popular theme played out in books throughout time is the concept that honesty is honored and criminals will eventually be caught. Crime and Punishment and "The Telltale Heart" are two stories written on this theme. (theme)

Crime Does Not Pay (thematic idea)

Many books laud characters who accept a tough situation and turn it into triumph. Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind exemplifies a shrewd person who finds a way to come out on top despite failed relationships and an economic depression after the Civil War. (theme)

Overcoming Adversity (thematic idea)

Thematic Idea vs. Theme

Thematic Idea vs. Theme

The Importance of Family

Sacrifices Bring Reward

Death is Part of the Life Cycle

Sacrifices for family are honored and explored, as are the family bonds that survive adversity in The Kitchen God’s Wife.

The Importance of Family

Literary works with this theme show how death and life and intricately connected as in The Secret Life of Bees.

Death is Part of the Life Cycle

Sacrifices and hard work pay off in the end, despite the challenges along the way as

exemplified in The Pact. o Sacrifices Bring Reward