Elements of Fiction

Plot Plot: sequence of events that make up a story

Parts of Plot Exposition – arouses reader’s interest, gives background Conflict – struggle between opposing forces (protagonist vs. antagonist  “good guy” vs. “bad guy” Person v s. person Person vs. themselves Person vs. nature Person vs. society Person vs. supernatural

Parts of Plot - continued Rising Action – development of the conflict Climax­ – turning point of the story, point of most intense interest Falling Action – aka “denouement” – events that lead to resolution Resolution – outcome of the conflict

Plot Diagram

Character Character is generally the central or focal element in the story

Character 4 Types of Characterization:  techniques the author uses to develop a character Physical description Speech and actions of the character Direct comment from the narrator Speech and other actions of other characters

Character 4 General Types of Characters Round – complex, presented in detail Dynamic – developing and learning in the course of the story Flat – characterized by one or two traits Static – unchanged from the story’s beginning to end

Mood Developed by the setting and the atmosphere of the story: Setting – the time and place in which the story is taking place, including factors such as weather and social conditions Atmosphere – the overall feeling (vibe) which pervades the story

Point of View Omniscient – “all knowing” - the author tells the story using the third person . The author knows all of what is said, done, and felt by the characters. Limited omniscient – author tells the story from the third person, however limits observations of thoughts and feelings to one character First person – one character tells the story in the first person. The reader sees and knows only as much as the narrator. Objective – the author is like a movie camera, moves around, freely recording objects. The author offers no comment about the thoughts/feelings/actions of the characters.

Theme The theme of a work of fiction is a universal idea or message that stretches through an entire story. A theme may show up in a pattern (such as reoccurring examples of beauty in simplicity) or a theme may come through as the result of a buildup (tragedy of war). It is often a lesson that we learn about life or people.

Theme A theme is not a subject (examples of subjects: love, death, betrayal). Theme is what the author is saying about a specific subject. A good way to identify theme is to think “After reading __________, the author wants me to know________”

Sample Theme Statement After reading Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare wants me to know that love is a violent, ecstatic, overpowering force that supersedes all other values, loyalties, and emotions.

Think of A Sample Theme Statement for your favourite story or movie as a child The Lion King Cinderella Harry Potter The Hunger Games