Story Elements 1. Plot 2. Characters 3. Settings 4. Themes 5. Visuals 6. Dialogue & Point of View

Plot

• Plot: sequence of events in a story.

• Conflict between characters or ideas.

• External conflict: between characters

or outside force (nature, society).

• Internal conflict: in character’s mind

(opposite feelings or choices).

Types of Conflict

• Man vs. Man: external conflict

between two characters.

• Man vs. Society: external conflict

between character and social

force (politics, values).

• Man vs. Nature: external conflict

between character and obstacle.

• Man vs. Self: internal conflict

(emotional, intellectual, moral).

Problem:

Conflict:

Cinderella wants to go to the ball, but step-sisters won’t let her.

Conflict is external – Cinderella vs. step-sisters and step-mother.

Your turn… What’s a well-known book or film

that has…

• Man vs. Man Conflict

• Man vs. Nature Conflict

• Man vs. Society Conflict

• Man vs. Self Conflict

What is the climax of a story?

The most exciting part. Final fight or action (boss battle).

Characters

• Characters: people, animals,

or creatures in a story.

• Protagonist: good guy, main

character.

• Antagonist: bad guy, person

in conflict with protagonist.

Characters:

Protagonist:

Antagonist:

Cinderella, step-sisters, step-mother, fairy godmother, prince.

Cinderella

step-sisters, step-mother

Think about your favourite book or, movie character…

• Who is the character? What story?

• Describe appearance and personality

• What does he/she want (motivation)?

• How does the character change?

Setting

• Setting: describes time and

place a story takes place in.

• Where and when: location,

weather, time, history.

• 5 senses: sight, smell, taste,

feel, and sound.

• A long time ago in a land far away ruled by a king and queen.

Themes

• Theme: central idea or

message of a story.

• Often an idea about life.

• Themes not clear.

• Reader usually decides

the theme.

• Good wins and bad

loses.

• Poor to rich.

• Love wins.

What are the themes of Cinderella?

What is a trope?

A common theme or plot used in a story.

Problem: You know what will happen

= no tension.

I have no fear Wire Dilemma

Which film genre?

Surrounded but 1-on-1 attack

Ugly Duckling

24 Films = Same Plot

Visuals

• Uses pictures, videos,

colours, sounds, music.

• Makes story’s world

come alive.

• Communicates ideas

and feelings.

Dialogue

• Dialogue: conversation

between characters.

• Famous stories often have

quotes people remember.

• Bad dialogue can destroy

good stories.

Point of View

• Point of View: relationship of

story teller to story.

• 1st person: narrator inside story (“I”)

• 3rd person: narrator outside story (“he”)

• 3rd person omniscient: narrator knows

everything (thoughts).

Cinderella is told through which point of view?

Third-Person Omniscient