Setting
definition « the general locale in which action occurs » Abrams.
Analogical Function Complement the indirect showing Be in harmony with a character’s mood Contributes to the building up of atmosphere, Look if the scene takes place indoors or outdoors, open or closed, natural or manufactured The setting: an agent to the plot or a mere backcloth?
Referential function The manner in which a setting contributes to a greater illusion of reality, a greater verisimilitude. The illusion can be founded on the use of space markers (North/South, street names, spatial prepositions)
Symbolical function Going beyong the description to represent something else