Elements of Fiction What makes a story?

RoundRobin Teacher poses a question and provides think time. Teacher designates who shares first. Students go around the table and each provides an answer to the question.

What do all stories need to have????

There are five main elements of fiction Conflict, Character, Setting, Plot, Theme

These six conflicts can be divided into two categories: The main problem or struggle in a story There are six kinds of conflicts: Individual vs. Individual Individual vs. Nature Individual vs. Society Individual vs. Supernatural Individual vs. Technology Individual vs. Self These six conflicts can be divided into two categories: External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force Internal Conflict: A struggle that takes place in a character’s mind

Create Some Conflict Take a sticky note from the tray on your table. On the front side, write a brief scenario (2-3 sentences) that has a clear conflict. On the back, identify the type of conflict (individual vs. _________) demonstrated in your scenario.

Quiz– Quiz –Trade Students stand up-hand up-pair up. Students A reads and shows the front of his or her card to Student B. Student B tries to answer the question. Student A coaches or praises. Students switch roles and repeat. Students trade cards. Students part ways and find new partners.

Roll the Dice! 1- Individual vs. Individual 2 – Individual vs. Nature Take turns rolling the die at your table. The number that you roll will indicate the type of conflict you need to create in your story. Write your story on page 149 of your Writer’s Notebook. 1- Individual vs. Individual 2 – Individual vs. Nature 3- Individual vs. Society 4 – Individual vs. Supernatural 5 – Individual vs. Technology 6 – Individual vs. Self

Character Protagonist: main character of a work of fiction A person, animal, or imaginary thing that takes part in the action of the story In works of fiction, there are two main kinds of characters: Protagonist: main character of a work of fiction Antagonist: the character against whom the protagonist struggles

This is done in one of two ways Characterization How an author develops a character; how an author makes a character seem real This is done in one of two ways Direct Characterization – When the author clearly tells you something about the character ex: Ms. Police was angry. Indirect Characterization – When the author requires you to interpret the character’s actions ex: Ms. Police slammed the door, glared at the class, and yelled, “Why aren’t you following directions!?”

What the character does What the character says Authors develop characters through six methods of Indirect Characterization What the character does What the character says What the character looks like What the character thinks How the character feels What other characters say about that character

Setting Where and when the story takes place Includes the specific place, time period, and duration Example: “Cinderella” Place: Cinderella’s house; the castle Time Period: not present day; 1800s to mid 1900s, depending on version Duration: a few days Example: The Dark Knight Place: Gotham Time Period: present day Duration: a few days

The sequence of events in a literary work Plot The sequence of events in a literary work The plot can be thought of like a rollercoaster in that there are many twists and turns and ups and downs!

There are six parts to the structure of a plot Exposition The beginning of the story; characters and setting are introduced Initiating Event The incident that sets the main conflict into motion; it may have occurred before the story opens Rising Action A series of events that builds from the initiating event to the climax Climax The point at which the highest tension occurs Falling Action The events after the climax which close the main story; the main character learns to deal with his/her problems Resolution Concludes the action at the end of the story; loose ends are tied up and the story comes to a close

Plot can be thought of visually (remember the rollercoaster?) Climax Rising Action Falling Action Resolution Initiating Event Exposition *This model works for MOST stories, but not all. For example, sometimes the initiating event comes before the story even starts, or the climax is at the end of the book and there is no falling action or resolution. This type of story is called … a cliffhanger.

One more thing to think about … Remember the different kinds of conflicts? While the climax is the point of greatest tension, there are several other conflicts that happen along the way … this is what makes the story interesting! These conflicts can be thought of as little bumps along the rising action. Think of them like the small hills on a roller coaster ride. Internal and external conflicts help comprise the rising action.

Theme + What the author wants you to understand The central message the story is conveying A view about life and how people behave To Find the Theme Topic + What the author wants you to understand *The theme of the story is not usually understood until the end.

Examples of Themes Love conquers all. What the author wants you to understand Topic Love conquers all. True friendship can weather anything. Thinking too highly of yourself leads to downfall. You must always believe in yourself.

Elements of Fiction What makes a story?