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