1. Elements of Fiction English 9

2. Basics Fiction - Prose based on an author’s imagination. Prose – all literature excluding poetry Types of Fiction Novel Short Story

3. Characteristics of Fiction Characters - invented people Setting – where and when the story takes place Plot – series of events in the story Conflict – problem human vs. human, human vs. nature, etc. Point of View – how story is narrated (told) 1 st person, 3 rd person – limited, 3 rd person - omniscient Theme – a message or insight about life

4. CHARACTER Element #1

5. Character - Types Protagonist – the leading character of a drama, novel, etc. Not always the hero, but is always the principal and central character whose rival is the antagonist. Antagonist - the character who strives against another main character. This character opposes the hero or protagonist in drama.

6. Character - Types Round character - a character who is complex, showing many different qualities. They reveal their faults as well as virtues. Flat character – a character who is one- dimensional, showing a single trait.

7. Character – Types Dynamic character - a character who develops, changes, and learns something during the course of a story. Static character – a character who remains the same.

8. ELEMENT #2 PLOT

9. Plot Series of events in a story Exposition – beginning of story where characters & setting are introduced Rising Action – where the conflict builds in a story Climax – the turning point; highest point of action Falling Action – where the conflict is on the way to being resolved. Resolution – the conflict is resolved; problem fixed.

11. IRONY Element #3

12. Irony It is the technique of indicating an intention or attitude opposed to what is actually stated.

13. Three Types of Irony Verbal Irony Saying one thing and meaning another. Sarcasm Dramatic Irony When the reader or audience knows more than the characters. Horror Movies & Soap Operas Situational Irony Event occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of the reader or audience. When a pickpocket get his pocket picked.

14. FORESHADOWING Element # 4

15. Foreshadowing When clues or hints are given about an upcoming event in a story. Example: When they zero in on a character in a horror film; you know they are going to be the next victim.

16. POINT OF VIEW Element #5

17. Point of View How the story is narrated; from whose point of view is the story being told. 1 st person – the main character is telling the story Words used – I, me, mine, etc. 3 rd person – a narrator is telling the story (someone not in the story) Limited – you only know what one character is thinking and feeling. Omniscient – the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters. (Omniscient means “all-knowing”)

18. MOOD Element #6

19. Mood The mood is the atmosphere of the story. The author uses setting, characters, and words to create the mood of the story.

20. THEME Element #7

21. Theme The message or central idea of the story. The theme of “The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf” is - Don’t lie and play tricks because people will not believe you when you are serious!

22. CHARACTERIZATION Element #8

23. Characterization Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. Characterization is revealed through direct characterization indirect characterization

24. Example Walt Disney’s Cinderella Protagonist Cinderella AntagonistStep-mother Round characterCinderella Flat characterStep-sister Dynamic characterPrince Static characterStep-mother

25. Direct Characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

26. Indirect Characterization Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There are five different methods of indirect characterization: Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak? Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on others toward the character. What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave? Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?