1. Elements of a “Story” When reading a story, look for these techniques and devices and an author will use.

2. Plot Sequence of events The writer’s plan Skeleton of the story –This happens, then this, then this…

3. Conflict A problem or struggle between two or more opposing forces Can be major or minor

4. Plot, Characters + Conflict Introduction Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution There may be a series of mini-crescendos or climaxes, but there generally one major climax.

5. Review of P L O T… There are 5 parts of PLOT : Introduction (characters, setting, + situation introduced…this can also be called Exposition because the conflict and character are “exposed” to the reader.) Rising Action (conflict/tension worsens and events build up leading to the climax) Climax (the moment in the story of highest emotion, stress, + suspense for the character and/or the reader) Falling Action (tension/conflict slowly falls away leading to the resolution) Resolution (the conflict is resolved, loose ends tied-up, and the theme is stated)

6. Characterization oRoRemember, an authors use CHARACTERIZATION to make their characters seem believable. They do this through the use of the thoughts + actions of characters. There are TWO types of characters: 1. PROTAGONIST: The main character in a story. “The good guy.” 2. ANTAGONIST: character who worksagainst the main character (or protagonist). “The bad guy.”

7. Examples of Antagonist vs. Protagonist VERSUS Protagonist : Harry Potter Antagonist : Voldemort

8. More Examples… VERSUS Protagonist : Lucy /Aslan Antagonist : White Witch

9. More Examples… VERSUS Protagonist : Snow White Antagonist : Evil Queen

10. Character Main Character: the one who gets the most focus The “star” or “stars” of the story

11. Character-Continued Minor or Sub-Characters: the other characters in the story…

12. C O N F L I C T  There MUST be conflict in a story for the story to even be considered a story. We keep reading to see if the problem will eventually be resolved.  The CONFLICT can be something as a minor as a zit, to as large as a war.

13. 4 Types of Conflict … 1.Character vs. Character: the problem the protagonist faces is one involving another character.  Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader

14. 2.Character vs. Society: the protagonist faces a problem involving something in the society in which they live (example: racism) 4 Types of Conflict …  To Kill a Mockingbird Tom Robinson is accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

15. 4 Types of Conflict … 3. Character vs. Self: the character has some internal struggle inside themselves

16. 4 Types of Conflict … 4.Character vs. Nature: the protagonist struggles with some natural force (tornado, harsh climate, etc.)

17. Point of View Narrator (comments on the story…often provides characterization and plot movement…may or may not be involved in the story) First Person (the author or narrator are involved in the story)…”I went to the store.” Second Person (the author is writing to the reader)…”You love green eggs and ham.”

18. Point of View-Continued Third Person (the author tells the story without being involved in the story and without using “I” or “You.”

19. Point of View-Continued Omniscient (the author allows the reader to be all knowing regarding characters and their emotions without relying on dialogue…”George felt remorse for stealing the apple.”

20. Setting Time and place a story takes place.

21. Setting Time: Present, past, future, day, night, etc.

22. Setting Place: small town, country, city, outer space, etc.

23. Theme The main message the writer wants to pass to the reader (Authorial intent) Moral of the story… Usually a hidden message –Look at how the main character changed. –Think of the story’s title – does it have a special meaning?

24. Irony Contrast between what is expected and what happens

25. Allusion Reference to a famous person, place, event, or work of literature

26. Simile Comparison of two unlike things USING LIKE OR AS “The steak was as tough AS an old shoe.”

27. Metaphor A comparison of two unlike things WITHOUT using “like” or “as” “Her love is a rose.”

28. Personification A description of something as human that is not human. “Sir, I encountered Death just now among our roses.” “The wind howled as if it were angry.”

29. Alliteration Repetition of VOWEL sounds within a sentence or line of a poem. –Adam always assisted all. –Edward’s education made him an excellent student.

30. Alliteration Repetition of a CONSONANT sound within a sentence or a line of poetry. –“One by one the casements catch Her beams beneath the silvery thatch.” -- “Nora never noticed nothin’.”

31. Suspense A feeling of growing tension and excitement felt by the reader

32. Mood What feeling a work gives to a reader – fun, spooky, etc.

33. Tone Expresses the writer’s attitude toward the subject –can be “angry”, “sad”, or “humorous”