Six Elements of Literary Nonfiction Write this LABEL & 9/19 READING SECTION. Six Elements of Literary Nonfiction Write this definition on the top of your next blank page in your READING SECTION. Notes/ Literary nonfiction (also known as creative nonfiction or narrative nonfiction) is a genre of writing that uses literary styles and techniques to create factually accurate narratives.

Warm-Up: Draw the following chart in your Reading Six Elements of Literary Nonfiction Element Notes Character (skip 3-5 lines between each label for you to add notes) Dramatization Style Audience Tone Sensory Language

Character Non-fiction contains characters within the story. Real people as characters Developed with the same tools/ techniques as fictional characters. Rely reader empathy and contain sympathetic/interesting characters Authors characterize the non-fiction character by including physical details & descriptions behavior, & dialogue.

Dramatization Nonfiction stories must be true & interesting They revolve around conflicts & dramatic moments to create emotional connections Journalistic nonfiction based on reporting, uses a conflict/ dramatic event Drama engages the reader Drama makes the text more compelling

Style Style is the expression of the writer’s personality on the page. Style consists of: views, prejudices, biases, expertise, wisdom, & knowledge Style includes: Word choice or diction. Each word has a dictionary meaning (denotation). Each words also has a connotative (implied meaning.)

Style Style includes: Voice Literary nonfiction usually features a strong sense of the author's presence. This is a unique voice that reflect the author’s personality and attitudes. The writer’s voice is revealed in the thoughts, feelings, reflections shared on the page Literary nonfiction relies on the building blocks of scene, summary, and personal reflection, to tell a true story, Voice is key in attracting & holding readers’ attention

Audience Audience is who you are writing for. Audience determines the following: what information is included the appropriate tone & language how the information is arranged & communicated what kind of supporting details are necessary for the reader to understand the text. Audience is NOT whoever reads the text. Audience is the group of people that the writer intends to reach.

Tone Tone is the writer’s attitude toward the subject, reader, or himself/herself. Dialogue indicates tone (not what you say but how you say it) Tone can is established by: the author, a narrator, a character, or a personified thing. To identify the tone- imagine how it would sound if spoken aloud. Look for tone by identifying negative and positive ideas Tone is revealed by thoughts, actions, words said, & descriptions Texts contain more than one attitude/tone in a text Tone reveals emotional content, so the words used to describe tone identify emotion.

Sensory Language Sensory language uses details to add color & depth to writing. It helps readers visualize the scene a writer is setting. Sensory writing: makes writing more realistic & descriptive. integrates the five senses (sight, hearing, feeling, tasting, and smelling) gives a visual connection to the reader creates a sensory experience engages readers creates an emotional connection between the reader & characters or subject matter of the article.

Final Chart should be similar to the one below. Six Elements of Literary Nonfiction Element Notes Character Literary nonfiction characters are REAL PEOPLE They are represented in writing with the same tools and techniques as fictional characters. The author must introduce and characterize the person including physical details and descriptions of their behavior. Dramatization The literary nonfiction must not only be true but also interesting enough to be worth the read Should be centered around conflicts and dramatic moments Has the the same emotional beats of fiction Style Style is the expression of the writer’s personality on the page The writer brings their–views, prejudices, biases, expertise, wisdom, knowledge, etc Writing style includes: word choice and diction, sensory language, and tone. Audience Knowing your audience helps you to make decisions about how you should arrange information, The audience is the group of people you want to educate or communicate with. Knowing your audience helps you know which supporting details will be necessary for the reader to understand what you are presenting Tone writer’s attitude toward the subject, reader, or himself/herself there is not one attitude or tone of voice in a text, but multiple the words we use to describe tone out to be words that help us identify emotions. Sensory Language The use of details from the five senses to add color and depth to writing Creates a feeling of first-hand experience, which leads to a more engaging experience for readers. Most authors use sensory language to create an emotional connection between the reader and the characters in the story