Literature Unit 1 Parts of a Story

Literary Term Focus For this unit, we will focus on what drives a story. We will talk about setting, characters, conflict, and plot. What is setting? Who are the characters? Can anyone tell me the different types of characters?

Setting The setting of a story is the time and the place of the action. Example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is set at Hogwarts Castle

Characters The characters are the people, animals, or imaginary creatures that take part in the story. There are two types of characters that you need to be aware of. The first is the dynamic character. The dynamic character undergoes an important change during the story. The second type is the static character. They do not change.

Conflict Conflict is the struggle between different forces. There are two types of conflict. External conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force. Internal conflict is a struggle within a character’s mind.

Plot Plot is the series of events in a story. There are five elements of plot. Exposition introduces the setting and the characters and sets up or hints at the conflict. Rising action shows how the conflict unfolds and becomes complicated.

Climax is the most exciting moment of the story. It often results in a change for the main character. Falling action eases the suspense and reveals a possible resolution. Resolution ties up loose ends, but sometimes offers an unexpected twist. Refer to textbook p. 26 for a plot diagram

Story Options Seventh Grade by Gary Soto This story is a fiction short story about a young man’s first day of seventh grade. The Last Dog by Katherine Paterson This story is a science fiction short story about a young man who discovers the world’s “last dog” Thank You M’am by Langston Hughes This story is a short story about a young, troubled boy who is helped by an elderly woman.

An American Childhood by Annie Dillard This is a nonfiction short story about an exciting childhood memory of winter in the city.