1. Flipbook Project Guide
Elements of a Story
Flipbook Project Guide

2. Setting
The setting of a story is when and where the actions of the story takes place.
A story’s setting helps the reader visualize the environment in which the story is occurring. Descriptions of setting usually appeals to all five senses. It often contributes to the mood or tone of the story.
It is possible for the setting to change throughout the story.
The setting can be either real or imaginary.
Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine the Setting:
When is the story happening?
-What time is it? (Ex:: Winter, Midnight, 2060, during the Civil War)
-Is in the past? Present? Future?
Where is the story happening?
-Where is the action located? (Ex: A farm, a castle, under water, Mars)
What is the environment like?
-Weather?
-Mood? (Example: Dark and scary)

3. Characters
Characters are the people, animals, and other creatures in the story.
Protagonist- the good guy or hero (usually the main character)
Antagonist- the bad guy or force (anti-hero)
Static Character- a character who stays the same throughout the story
Dynamic Character- a character who undergoes an important, internal change during the story. This could be a change in attitude or beliefs
Flat character – a character that is one sided; usually a stereotype
Round character – a well-developed character with many faults and virtues
Foil- a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character. 
Characterization is how the author creates the character for reader
Direct Characterization: the author tells you about the character
Indirect Characterization: the author shows your about the character through their thoughts and actions.
Motive-a character’s reason for doing/wanting something (usually causes the problem)

4. Plot Plot- the sequence of events that occur in a story
Introduction/Exposition- the beginning of the story in which the characters and settings are introduced.
Rising Action- events, usually complications arise that increase tension and lead up to the climax
Suspense – a feeling of excitement/anxiety in a story
Complications – events that test characters in a story
Climax- the most exciting point in the story in which there is a turning point in the conflict.
Falling Action- occurs after the climax when the tension decreases and the story begins to slow down
Resolution/Denouement- the end of the story in which the conflict has been solved and all the loose ends are tied together.

5. Plot Diagram

6. Conflict
Conflict- the struggle between two forces. It drives the plot of the story.
Note: Conflict is not always bad, sometimes it is needed for change to occur.
Types of Conflict:
External Conflict- when a character struggles with an outside force (another person, society, weather, natural events, etc…)
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Society
Character vs. Fate
Character vs. Supernatural
Character vs. Technology
Internal Conflict – when a character struggles with forces inside himself/herself
Character vs. Self

7. Mood/Tone
Mood-the feeling a reader gets from a story. The mood can also be described as the atmosphere of the story. It can change throughout the story, often getting more suspenseful before the climax.
Example Moods: Light, Dark, Scary, Suspenseful, Humorous
Tone- the author’s voice or attitude about what he or she is writing. Tone can be achieved through the author’s style, the setting and mood of the story, and by what the narrator focuses on as important
Examples of Tone: All-Knowing, Clueless, Lighthearted, Passionate, Indifferent, Apologetic, Judgmental

8. Theme
The theme of a story is a lesson or message the story is trying to tell us. The message may be about life, society, or human nature. Themes often explore timeless and universal ideas and may be implied rather than stated explicitly. Some stories have only one theme or message.  Other stories have many lessons or messages.
Popular Themes:
-War
-Love
-Friendship
-Loss
-Revenge
-Coming of Age
-Crime Does Not Pay
-Overcoming Diversity
-Sacrifice
-Good vs. Evil
-Hard Work

9. Point of View Narrator- the one telling the story
Point of View- the perspective from which the story is told
1st Person Point of View- a character in the story is the one narrating. The plot is revealed only through the eyes of that character. This point of view can be identified through the use of pronouns like I, me, and we. This point of view often details stronger feelings and creates a deep connection between the reader and that character.
2nd Person Point of View- the narrator addressed the reader directly. This point of view can be identified through the use of pronouns like you and your. This point of view is rarely used and appears more bold and direct. It often occurs when directions are being given.
3rd Person Point of View- the narrator is an outside observe who can tell the thoughts, actions, and feelings of the characters. This point of view can be identified though words like they, he, she, and the names of the characters.
3rd Person Limited- the narrator can only tell the story based on the thoughts and feelings of one character.
3rd Person Omniscient- the narrator is all-knowing and can tell the story based on the thoughts and feelings of all or many of the characters
Foreshadowing– technique of hinting about what will eventually happen in story
Flashback– a interruption in the order of events in a story; usually for info; memories – not events

10. Other Terms:
Style- the way the author uses language to write a story. Style includes word choice (diction) and sentence construction and word order (syntax). A writer chooses an appropriate style based upon the subject matter and audience.
Dialogue- a conversation between characters.
Example: “Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor!” said Effie.