1. The Elements of Fiction Overview

2. SETTING   The time and place in which the action of a story happens.

3. PLOT   The sequence of events in a story.   There are 5 essential parts of plot.   Exposition - sets the stage, characters introduced, setting explained   Rising action - occurs as the story continues, central conflict unfolds, suspense builds.   Climax - turning point of the story, action reaches a peak, outcome of the conflict is decided. May be a solution to the problem.   Falling action - tensions decrease as the conflict begins to be settled.   Resolution – the solution to the problem occurs at the story’s end, loose ends are usually tied up.

4. Plot Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows arrangement of events and actions within a story.

5. Exposition: the start of the story, the situation before the action starts Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action Falling Action: all of the action which follows the climax Resolution: the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads Plot Components

6. CONFLICT  Conflict is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story.   All stories have some type of conflict.   Internal conflict is that which occurs within a person.   External conflict is that which occurs outside a person.   Types of Conflict  Person vs. Person – problem between two characters  Person vs. Society – problem between character(s) and the laws or beliefs of a group  Person vs. Nature – problem between character(s) and a force of nature  Person vs. Self – problem between character(s) and themselves

7. CHARACTERIZATION   People, animals or imaginary creatures who take part in the action of a story.  Pro-tagonist : Look at the prefix. Think “pro” as in being “for” the good side.  Ant-agonist : Prefix again, think “anti” as in being “against the good side.   Characterization is the information the author gives the reader about the characters. The author may reveal the character in several ways. 1. 1.His/her physical appearance 2. 2.What he/she says, thinks, feels and dreams 3. 3.What others say about him/her 4. 4.How others react to him/her 5. 5.What he/she does or does not do (actions)

8. POINT OF VIEW   The point of view is the vantage point from which a story is told.   First person   uses the pronouns I, me, and we.   The narrator is a character in the story.   The reader sees the story through the character’s eyes as he/she experiences it and only knows what he/she knows or feels.   Third person limited   uses the pronouns he, she, they.   The narrator is not a character in the story.   The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only ONE of the main characters.   Third person omniscient   uses the pronouns he, she, and they.   The narrator is not a character in the story.   The narrator knows the thoughts, feelings and actions of ALL characters.

9. THEME   Meaning, moral or main message the writer wishes to share with the reader.   Anyone who reads the story can use the theme.   It is universal.

10. TO FIND THEME…..  Think about the meaning of the title of the story  Skim the story for key phrases about big ideas such as courage, freedom or honesty  Examine how the main character changes or what he or she learns about life.