1. The Elements of Fiction
Just as an artist uses different colors, textures and tools to create art, a writer uses the elements of fiction to create a literary work of art.
There are many
different tools a writer
can use, but the basics are
plot, character, setting,
point of view, conflict,
symbols and theme.

2. The Elements of Fiction
Plot Character Setting Point of view Conflict
Imagery
Suspense
Irony
Symbolism
Theme

3. Plot
Plot is the series of events in the story. It answers the question, “what happens?” The plot always involves some kind of conflict.

4. Plot Diagram Climax Rising Action Conflict  Inciting Incident
Exposition - the part of the plot that tells how the story begins
Rising Action - the action in the story leading up to the climax
Inciting Incident - the event or decision that begins a story's problem or main conflict
Climax - the point of crisis in the plot. It may be the reader’s point of highest interest
Falling action - the action in the story after the climax is revealed
Resolution - the part of the plot that reveals the final outcome
Rising Action
Falling Action
Conflict
 Inciting Incident
Exposition
Resolution

5. Character Characters are your actors in the story.
Types of Characters:
Round - has many traits and characteristics
Flat - undeveloped and has only one or two traits
Dynamic - experiences change
Static - does not experience change
Protagonist - main character
(NOT always a good guy!)
Antagonist - character who
opposes the protagonist

6. Setting
The setting is where and when the story takes place, including the atmosphere and weather. The physical place can be as broad as a cross country trip or as narrow as a single room. The chronological setting can be a fixed moment in time or span many years.

7. Point of View Point of view is the perspective
from which the story is told.
third-person omniscient (uninvolved narrator telling the story with access to the thoughts and feelings of many characters)
third-person limited (uninvolved narrator telling the story with access to the thoughts and feelings of only one character)
first-person (a character within the story telling it using “I”).

8. Conflict
Conflict is a struggle between the character and opposing forces. It can be internal or external.
External conflict:
person vs. person
person vs. nature
person vs. society
Internal conflict:
person vs. self

9. Imagery
Imagery is the use of figurative language to appeal to our five senses (smell, touch, taste, sight, and hearing). The word “imagery” is associated with mental pictures.

10. Suspense
Suspense is the intense feeling that an audience goes through while waiting for the outcome of certain events. It basically leaves the reader holding their breath and wanting more information.

11. Irony
Situational Irony occurs when there is a difference between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. It is a difference between the appearance and the reality. Example: In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy goes to the wizard in search of a way to get home, only to learn that she was capable of doing so on her own the whole time.

12. Symbolism
A symbol is an object or idea that represents something else beyond itself. For example, an open door might be more than just an open door; it could represent opportunity. A red rose might symbolize love.

13. Theme
A theme is the central message of the story. Themes are universal and can applied to people or the world in general. It is not simply a topic. For example, “love” is a topic; “love overcomes all” is a theme. “Overcoming obstacles” is a topic. “It is possible to overcome obstacles with positive thinking” is a theme. Not all stories have positive themes.