Elements of Plot

Plot Diagram

Static: does not change throughout the story. Dynamic: changes throughout the story. Flat: very little information provided Round: author fully describes this character.

Characterization How the author develops the characters, especially the main character. This is done through: – what the character does or says – what others say of and to the character – author’s word choice in descriptive passages

Characterization Direct characterization – The author directly states what the character’s personality is like. Example: cruel, kind Indirect characterization – Showing a character’s personality through his/her actions, thoughts, feelings, words, appearance or other character’s observations or reactions

Internal: Character v self Example: the character and big decision he/she has to make External: –Character v character Example: the character vs. a bully at school –Character v nature Example: the character must fight a raging hurricane –Character v society Example: The character fighting against racism or prejudice

1st person: the person telling the story is one of the characters in the story. It is the “I” point of view. 3rd person limited: the narrator telling the story is not one of the characters in the story. He or she is an outside observer. 3rd person omniscient: the narrator is not a character in the story. The narrator is considered to be “all knowing” and can see and hear everything that is happening to all characters in the story; can tell the reader what each is thinking and feeling.

Situational: the difference between what is expected to happen and the way events actually work out. Verbal: occurs when the speaker means something totally different than what he or she is saying. Dramatic: occurs when facts are not known to the characters but are known by the audience.

Imagery the use of words and phrases that appeal to the five senses.

Genre A type of literature.

Denouement : [de y-noo-mahn] the portion of a story following the climax, in which the conflict is resolved.