Elements of Fiction

Fiction Writing that comes from an author’s imagination. Realistic Fiction Historical Fiction Fantasy Science Fiction Purpose of Fiction: to entertain

2 Forms of Fiction Short Story Novel

Short Story Revolves around a single idea Is short enough to be read in one sitting

Novel Longer and more complex Usually contains several chapters or sections

Bell Ringer Have your Elements of Fiction notes out and your textbooks open to p. 16.

Characters Characters People, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in the action of a story. Main Characters and Minor Characters Defined by their traits and motives Can be dynamic or static

Characters Major (Main) Character Minor Character Most important character in the story Minor Character Provide part of the background of the story

Setting Setting Time and place a story takes place Past, Present, or Future

Plot Sequence of events in a story The sequence unfolds in this manner: Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Plot: Exposition Sets the stage for the story Characters are introduced, setting is described, and conflict begins

Plot: Rising Action Struggles leading to excitement of the story occur. Events are building up to the climax

Plot: Climax Highest point of interest or suspense in story (peak is reached) Usually results in a major change in the characters or a solution to a problem

Plot: Falling Action The results of the climax are revealed

Plot: Resolution Conclusion of the story Loose ends are tied up and story ends

Conflict Struggles between opposing forces in a story Two types of conflict: External or Internal

External Conflict External Conflict Struggles take place between outside forces Character vs. Character Character vs. Nature Character vs. Machine Character vs. Society

Internal Conflict Internal Struggle takes place within a character’s mind Character vs. Self

Point of View The perspective from which a story is told. 1st Person Narrator 3rd Person Omniscient 3rd Person Narrator 3rd Person Limited

Point of View 1st Person Narrator 3rd Person Narrator Narrator is one of the characters Uses I, me, and we 3rd Person Narrator Not a character Uses he, she, they, and them

Point of View 3rd Person Omniscient All knowing Narrator knows everything about the characters Sees in their minds Reveals thoughts and feelings of all characters

Point of View 3rd Person Limited Not in the story Narrator tells us what one person thinks, believes, and feels

Theme Central idea of the story Meaning or moral Most themes are not stated directly Examples Friendship Survival Family Relationships Death