1. the components of a literary piece; the parts of a story
Literary Elements
the components of a literary piece;
the parts of a story

2. Setting
The time and place of action to include as many details as possible, i.e. weather, time of day, environment

3. Characters
Protagonist – the central figure of a story; the story’s main character
Antagonist – the character (or group of characters) of a story who represents the opposition against the protagonist

4. Conflict The struggle that takes place between two opposing forces
The problem in the story
The struggle

5. Conflicts found in literature
Character v. character(s)
Character v. nature
Character v. society
Character v. self

6. Plot The sequence of events or happenings in a literary work
The important or main events that move the story along

7. Parts of PLOT Exposition introduces the conflict Rising action Climax
Falling action
Resolution

8. Theme The basic message about life in literature
The underlying meaning of the story, a universal truth, a significant statement the story is making about society, human nature, or life
MUST BE STATED IN A SENTENCE!

9. THEME
The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and HOW PEOPLE BEHAVE.
Theme is NOT presented directly. You, the reader, must extract it from the characters, the action, and the setting.
You must figure out the theme yourself!
You will understand the theme by reading between the lines.

10. Theme and Topic THEME MUST BE STATED in a SENTENCE!
Do not confuse the topic of a literary work with its theme.
Friendship might be a topic.
Bravery might be a topic.
Courage might be a topic.
Love or greed might be topics.
THEME MUST BE STATED in a SENTENCE!

11. Theme (cont.) “Friendship” is not a theme. It is a topic.
“Friends are more valuable than money,” is an example of a theme.
REPEAT – Must be stated in a sentence that describes the meaning or truth of the story.
What do you think is the theme of “A Christmas Carol”?
What is the theme of “The Bear Boy”?

12. COMMON THEMES Crime does not pay. Everyone can overcome adversity.
Friendship requires sacrifice.
Family is the most important part of life.
Love is worth fighting for.
Death is a part of life.
Sacrifices and hard work pay off in the end, despite challenges along the way.

13. GENRE kind or type of literature
Examples: historical fiction, horror, fantasy, fable, essay, poetry

14. A break in the continuity of the story to introduce an earlier event
FLASHBACK
A break in the continuity of the story to introduce an earlier event

15. Foreshadowing
Hints or clues to let the reader know what is going to happen in the story
Usually creates suspense

16. Terms we already know: Characterization –
The methods an author uses to develop the personality of a character
What the character says or does
What the character thinks or feels
What other characters say
Telling the reader directly
Giving a physical description