How Great Authors Construct Great Stories Story Development How Great Authors Construct Great Stories

The Map Climax PLOT Rising Action Falling Action Hook Conflict Resolution Exposition SETTING CHARACTERIZATION POINT OF VIEW MOOD THEME

Plot The organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

Hook + Exposition Hook: initial way author draws reader into story. Exposition: this usually occurs at the beginning of a story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story.

Conflict The basis of the rest of the story. It could be character versus character, society, nature, and/or self.

Rising Action This part of the story begins to develop the responses to conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

Climax This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

Falling Action All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

Resolution The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Setting Time, place, climate, society, etc. Often reflects the changes in plot and characterization

Characterization Direct vs Indirect Major vs Minor; Static vs Dynamic Protagonists, Antagonists, and Foils Stock Characters Tragic hero Sweet and innocent lovers The stingy old man The braggart soldier—more talk than action Befuddled parents Impertinent servants Tricksters

Characterization in Drama Usually no narrator to give direct characterization Stage directions reveal actions Soliloquies and asides reveal inner thoughts Main form of knowledge about characters comes from what they say about themselves and each other

Mood Emotion of the piece Often reflects the changes in plot and characterization

Theme The main idea or message in a work of literature Many works have multiple themes which build together