Literary Elements!

Fiction Stories that come from a writer’s imagination are called fiction. Stories that come from a writer’s imagination are called fiction. 2 forms of fiction 2 forms of fiction short stories short stories Usually revolves around a single idea Usually revolves around a single idea Is short enough to be read at one sitting Is short enough to be read at one sitting novels novels Involves a more complicated plot Involves a more complicated plot Is a longer work Is a longer work

Fiction Both contain the elements of: plot, character, setting, and theme Both contain the elements of: plot, character, setting, and theme Purpose of fiction is to entertain, but can provider a reader with a deeper understanding of life Purpose of fiction is to entertain, but can provider a reader with a deeper understanding of life

Elements of Plot List as many parts of the plot diagram as you can think of/remember!

Elements of Plot Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution Conflict THEME

Plot The sequence of events in a story. It is usually built around a central conflict. A problem or struggle between opposing forces (Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution, Theme)

Exposition/Setting Sets the stage for the story. Characters are introduced and the setting is described

Character Are the people, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in the action. Are the people, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in the action. Characters are defined by their traits, or more permanent qualities in their personalities Characters are defined by their traits, or more permanent qualities in their personalities Characters are revealed by their motives, or the reasons they act the way they do Characters are revealed by their motives, or the reasons they act the way they do

Conflict The central problem or struggle that the main character must deal with

Rising Action Events in the story that create suspense and lead toward the climax of the story 1. How is the conflict revealed in the story? 2. What is the conflict? 3. What events develop the conflict? 4. How do the characters react to the conflict through action and dialogue?

Climax High point or turning point of the story. High point or turning point of the story. Event that changes the lives of the characters. Event that changes the lives of the characters.

Falling Action Additional events that happen after the climax “wrapping-up” the story and leading to the resolution.

Resolution Final outcome of events or solution to the problem.

Theme The central or dominating idea or message of the story. What was the author trying to say to the reader? What was the author trying to say to the reader? What is the point of the story? What is the point of the story?

Point of View Perspective from which the story is told First-person: narrator is a character in the story; uses “I”, “we”, etc. First-person: narrator is a character in the story; uses “I”, “we”, etc. Third-person: narrator outside the story: uses “he”, “she”, “they” Third-person: narrator outside the story: uses “he”, “she”, “they” Third-person limited: narrator tells only what one character perceives Third-person limited: narrator tells only what one character perceives Third-person omniscient: narrator can see into the minds of all characters Third-person omniscient: narrator can see into the minds of all characters

Foreshadowing Important hints that an author drops to prepare the reader for what is to come and help the reader anticipate the outcome.

Suspense A feeling of excitement, curiosity, or expectation about what will happen.

Tone The tone of a piece of literature is the speaker's or narrator's attitude towards the subject, rather than what the reader feels, as in mood. Mood is the general feeling or atmosphere that a piece of writing creates within the reader.

Subplot In fiction, a subplot is a secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot.

Foil A character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character. A character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character. The term foil, though generally being applied for a contrasting character, may also be used for any comparison that is drawn to portray a difference between two things The term foil, though generally being applied for a contrasting character, may also be used for any comparison that is drawn to portray a difference between two thingscomparison

Purpose Is the reason an author decides to write about a specific topic. Then, once a topic is selected, the author must decide whether his purpose for writing is to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain his ideas to the reader.

Imagery Includes the "mental pictures" that readers experience with a passage of literature. It signifies all the sensory perceptions referred to in a poem, whether by literal description, allusion, simile, or metaphor.

Antagonist The person or force that works against the hero of the story (the protagonist).

Protagonist The main character in a story, often a good or heroic type.

Dynamic Character A character that undergoes significant change, growth or development over the course of a story.

Dynamic Character The change must be discernible to the reader The change must be discernible to the reader The character can ’ t just say they are going to change The character can ’ t just say they are going to change I swear I ’ ve learned my lesson! I ’ ll never do that again!

Qualities of a Dynamic Character: Strong Emotions Strong Emotions Personal Crisis Personal Crisis Gain in Understanding Gain in Understanding Turning Point Turning Pointor Takes a Crucial Action Takes a Crucial Action Makes an Important Decision Makes an Important Decision

Static Character Does not change or develop much over the course of the story Does not change or develop much over the course of the story More often a minor character More often a minor character

Static or Dynamic Character? Maggie Simpson How old is Maggie Simpson? Why? Whatever age you think she is, you need to explain how it is possible and why you think so. Is she a static or dynamic character?

Sterotype Character A character that's exactly the same as another character in another book written by another author. Examples: girls wear pink, boys wear blue