Story Elements

Plot Sequence of events Involves both characters and central conflict Three types of Conflict Man vs. Man Man vs. Environment Man vs. Himself Turning Point – High Point Conflict increases until it reaches a high point or suspense Resolution How the conflict is solved This does not always occur 4.Turning Point Falling Action 3.Rising Action 5.Resolution Introduction a.k.a. Exposition

Setting Time Period in which the story takes place Historical Period Past Present Future Year Season Time of Day Even the weather Place Where the story takes place Setting is usually closely related to other elements in the story The setting serves as a backdrop for the characters and events.

Characters Main Characters Supporting Characters Narrators One or two characters on whom a story focuses Main Characters are well developed – you learn a great deal about them Supporting Characters Play only a small role in a story You only learn a little about supporting characters Narrators Is the person who tells the story Narrators may or may not be one of the characters They often share their thoughts and feelings

Point of View The perspective from which the story is told. First Person – Narrator is a character in the story and refers to himself or herself with the pronoun I. Omniscient Third Person – Narrator knows and tells about what each character feels and thinks and uses pronouns he or she. Limited Third Person – narrator relates the inner thoughts and feelings of only one character, and everything is viewed from this character’s perspective.

Theme The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave. The theme of a fable is its moral. The theme is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.

Finding the Theme Here are some ways to uncover the theme in a story: Check out the title. Sometimes it tells you a lot about the theme. Notice repeating patterns and symbols. Sometimes these lead you to the theme. What allusions (a passing or casual reference to something) are made throughout the story? What are the details and particulars in the story? What greater meaning may they have? Remember that theme, plot, and structure are inseparable, all helping to inform and reflect back on each other. Also, be aware that a theme we determine from a story never completely explains the story. It is simply one of the elements that make up the whole.