The Elements of Fiction: The Elements of Fiction: A General IntroductionA General Introduction

CharacterCharacterA textual representation of a human being (or

creature)

How do we get to know a character?

Through…Dialogue

Thoughts

Actions

Narration

ExampleExample

Finding Nemo

Why are we so interested in the characters and their problems if they are only aquatic

animals and computer graphics?

Plot

The series of events that give a story its meaning and effect

An event is comprised of a conflict and a resolution

ExampleExample

Disney’s Cinderella

What’s the first conflict?

What’s the second conflict?

Cinderella’s father dies.

What’s the resolution?

Her step mother becomes her guardian

Her step mother and step sisters are mean.

What’s the resolution?

She befriends mice.

Disney’s Cinderella(Cont’d)

What’s the third conflict?

What’s the fourth conflict?

Cinderella wants to go to the ball.

What’s the resolution?

Her step mother says that she is allowed to go if she finishes her chores

and has a suitable dress.

Her step sisters ruin her dress, so she can’t go to the ball.

What’s the resolution?

Her fairy godmother saves the day.

SettingSetting

A story’s time and place

Example:

Fox’s The O.C.

When and where does it take place?

ThemeTheme

The meaning or concept we are left with after The meaning or concept we are left with after reading a storyreading a story

How can you figure out a story’s theme?How can you figure out a story’s theme?

Ask yourself, “What is the author suggesting Ask yourself, “What is the author suggesting is true about human nature and/or life?” is true about human nature and/or life?”

ExampleExample

What are some of the themes of The Pirates of the Caribbean?

Good will always triumph over evil.

Don’t judge a person before you get to know him or her.

Love motivates some people to take risks.

Point of View

Refers to the source of the narrative voice (or person telling the story)

It answers the question, “Who is telling the story?”

Example: The Real World

StyleStyle

Refers to the manner in which an author tells his Refers to the manner in which an author tells his or her storyor her story

Examples:Examples:

Romeo and Juliet v. The House on Mango StreetRomeo and Juliet v. The House on Mango Street

(Elaborate Language)(Elaborate Language) (Simple Language) (Simple Language)

Literary DevicesLiterary Devices

Devices that writers have used throughout the timeline of literary history.

Include…

o Symbols and Imagery

o Figurative Language: Metaphors, Similes, and Personification

ALL DONEALL DONE

You So Crazy!