Elements of a Story Fiction

What every story needs: Characters Setting Conflict (problem) Plot Theme

Consider plot as a timeline of events. What is plot? Plot is the sequence of events of a work of fiction.  Most plots will trace some process of change in which characters are caught up in a conflict that is eventually resolved. This is the “action” of the story.  Consider plot as a timeline of events.

Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5 Climax Falling Action Rising Action Exposition Resolution (Denouement) 1 5

1. Exposition This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. We are introduced to the characters, setting, the basis of the problem, and other facts necessary to understand the story.

Important Parts of the Exposition Setting Time Place Location Time period Characters Protagonist: The main character Antagonist: The character who is in conflict with the protagonist in some way; the “bad guy” Static: Character stays the same Dynamic: Character changes in some way Problem What does protagonist want or need?

Point of View 1st person 2nd person 3rd person limited This is where the story is told through a main character's eyes. The story is told using personal pronouns such as I, me, we, or us. 2nd person This is where the narrator tells the story to another character using the word 'you.' The author could be talking to the audience, which we could tell by the use of you, you're, and your. 3rd person limited This is where the narrator is not a character in the story and talks about the characters. The narrator has a limited perspective and can only read one character's mind, feelings, and motive. 3rd person omniscient This is where the narrator is not a character in the story and is "all- knowing" . This type of narrator can read every character's feelings, motives, and thoughts.

2. Rising Action The rising action includes all the events that lead to the climax. It also presents some type of conflict.

Conflict * two or more characters have a problem with each other The struggle between two forces in the story. Conflict provides interest, suspense, and tension. There are 4 main types: (Man= Humankind) Man vs Man * two or more characters have a problem with each other Man vs. Nature * characters have to fight against a force of nature. Ex: storm, disease, a bear Man vs. Society *character fights against rules of society. Ex: racism, beliefs Man vs. Self * The character is dealing with an internal struggle. Usually moral. Ex: Turning someone in, stealing, guilt, choices

3. Climax The “high point”. 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.

4. Falling Action All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The problem is being solved.

5. Resolution (also called denouement) The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Putting It All Together B,M,E 1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story

Every story does not have to be a “happily ever after” solution. These characters are in constant conflict or experience tragedy: Lemony Snicket and a Series of Unfortunate Events Harry Potter Dork Diaries Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Fault in Our Stars Marley and Me

The main message, lesson, or Theme The main message, lesson, or main idea of the story. Examples: friendship, always do the right thing, be kind, family, don’t judge a book by its cover, be yourself

Motivation Every character has a reason, or motivation, to do the things they do. Examples: A character might steal food so she can eat, even if it’s wrong. A character might perform a good deed because they see someone having a bad day. Students may start a club because they meet a group of like-minded students. A young boy may work hard in school and life because he doesn’t want to live in a bad neighborhood when he grows up.

A Quick Quiz A STATIC character The main character of the story is: Remains the same at the end of the story Changes by the end of the story Is the main character Is in the climax The main character of the story is: The antagonist The protagonist The exposition The denouement

The setting is made up of: The part of the story that ties up all the loose ends and is solving the problem: The climax The falling action The resolution The exposition The setting is made up of: Protagonist and antagonist Place and characters Time and Place Static and Dynamic

ANSWERS A B C

Test your plot knowledge! The 3 Little Pigs We will now watch a short version of the story to refresh your memory. After, you will need to answer questions about the plot, characters, and setting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5hI9U 19-m0

The Three Little Pigs Story Elements Quiz

Characters: Setting: Problem: Point of View: Conflict: Theme: Protagonist: Antagonist: Setting: Problem: How does the setting contribute to the problem? Point of View: Conflict: Theme: Motivation Pigs: Wolf:

Characters: 3 little pigs, wolf Protagonist: 3rd pig Antagonist: wolf Setting: in the countryside Problem: the pigs must leave home and survive on their own How does the setting contribute to the problem? They are isolated in the country. Point of View: 3rd person onmiscient Conflict: man vs. man Theme: hard work pays off in the end Motivation Pigs: Pig #3 was motivated to build a strong house to protect himself. Wolf: The wolf was motivated to eat the pigs due to hunger.

CLIMAX: Wolf decides to sneak down the chimney to get the pigs. Falling Action Event #5 The Big Bad Wolf tires several times, but he can’t blow down brick house. Wolf falls into boiling pot of soup. Event #4 Big Bad Wolf blows the stick house down and Pig #1 and #2 escape to Pig # 3’s house. Rising Action RESOLUTION: The Big Bad Wolf is so scared of the 3 Pigs that he runs off in the woods never to be seen again. The 3 little pigs live happily ever after. Event #3 Big Bad Wolf blows the straw house down and pig #1 escapes to Pig #2’s house. Event #2 Pig #1 builds a house of straw, Pig #2 builds a house of sticks, and Pig # 3 builds a house of bricks. Event #1 The pigs come across a beautiful clearing they think will be a perfect spot to build their homes. The Three Little Pigs EXPOSITION: Three little pigs leave home to find adventure in the big world.