Literary Elements Genre, story elements, etc.

Remember... Fiction These are stories that are NOT real! They are made-up. Can include fairytales, folktales, fables, myths, tall tales, realistic fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction!

Plot Plot is the sequence of events that occur in a narrative. A narrative is any work that tells a story, such as a short story, a novel, a drama, or a narrative poem. Plot is the sequence of events that occur in a narrative. A narrative is any work that tells a story, such as a short story, a novel, a drama, or a narrative poem.

Diagram of Plot Exposition/ Somebody Rising Action/ Wanted To Climax/But Falling Action Resolution/So

Exposition Introduces the Setting Time and place; Can include dialects, scenery, customs, time period, clothing, weather, time of day/year. The setting helps: create mood, show a reader a different way of life, or make the action seem more real. The setting can also be the source of conflict and can be a symbol for something else. Introduces the Characters Protagonist/Antagonist Major/Minor Static/Dynamic Foil Characterization How an author creates a character – can be direct or indirect Appearance, dialogue, actions, descriptions, motivations, etc.

Rising Action – the conflict develops External Conflict Struggle against an opposing force: Person vs. Person Mr. Carlos and Ms. Oleksiak are arguing Person vs. Nature Ms. Oleksiak is swept away during a flash flood. Person vs. Beast Ms. Oleksiak is mauled by a wild turkey. Internal Conflict A struggle within a character. I can’t decide whether or not to go out with Bobby. He’s super cute, but kind of has a dud personality. Oh goodness, what is a girl to do?

Climax The turning point of the story. The point of highest suspense or tension. Example: Romeo kills Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. If he hadn’t killed Tybalt, the original plan that would allow Romeo and Juliet to be together may have worked.

Falling Action The conflict is close to being resolved and the action of the story is coming to an end. Example: The glass slipper fits Cinderella.

Resolution The conflict is resolved, the story ends (unless of course, the author wants an ending that is open to interpretation). Example: Romeo and Juliet die.

Special Techniques of Plot  Suspense- excitement or tension  Foreshadowing- hint or clue about what will happen in story  Flashback- interrupts the normal sequence of events to tell about something that happened in the past  Surprise Ending/Irony- conclusion that reader does not expect

Theme  A central message, concern, or insight into life expressed through a literary work  Can be expressed by one or two sentence statement about human beings or about life  May be stated directly or implied  Interpretation uncovers the theme

Example of Theme Recurring vs. Universal Recurring – a theme specific to a particular time period. Universal – a theme relevant to all. Some Examples: The Outsiders – Bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. The Giver – The importance of the individual. Love is able to break through all barriers.