Elements of Fiction

Characters A character is a person, animal, or imaginary creature 2 Kinds of Characters: Protagonist: main character or hero Antagonist: another character which causes conflict for the protagonist. The antagonist can be a character, society, or object.

5 Ways to Develop a Character: Characterization A description of individuals in a story 5 Ways to Develop a Character: Physical Description of Character Character’s Speech, Thought, and Actions The Speech, Thoughts, and Actions of Other Characters Eye-Awakening Situations Direct Statement about Character

Setting Where and When a story takes place

Plot The sequence of events in a story 5 Parts of Plot: Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Plot Diagram Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Resolution

Plot- Exposition -the beginning part of a story that: Sets the tone Establishes the setting Introduces characters Gives the reader important background information

Plot- Rising Action series of actions which lead the story to the climax

Plot- Climax “turning point” of the story The climax is the point of maximum interest. It usually occurs toward the end of a story, after the reader has understood the conflict and become emotionally involved with the characters. At the climax, the outcome of the plot becomes clear.

Plot- Falling Action occurs after the climax conflicts are beginning to be resolved- loose ends are tied up

Plot- Resolution part of the story where the problem or conflict is solved occurs after the climax and falling action “the end”

Conflict struggle between a character and an opposing force 2 Kinds of Conflict: Internal Conflict External Conflict

External Conflict struggle between a character and an outside force such as society, nature, or another character Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society Man vs. Animal Man vs. Machine

Internal Conflict struggle within a character’s mind usually occurs when a character has to make a decision or to deal with feelings Man Vs. Self

Theme The underlying message in a story that deals with life or human nature When determining theme, think about: the title the way a character changes and what they learn Big ideas such as courage and freedom