1. How Great Authors Construct Great Stories
Story Development
How Great Authors Construct Great Stories

2. The Map Climax PLOT Rising Action Falling Action Hook Conflict
Resolution
Exposition
SETTING
CHARACTERIZATION
POINT OF VIEW
MOOD
THEME

3. Plot
The organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

4. Hook + Exposition Hook: initial way author draws reader into story.
Exposition: this usually occurs at the beginning of a story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story.

5. Conflict
The basis of the rest of the story. It could be character versus character, society, nature, and/or self.

6. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the responses to conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

7. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

8. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

9. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

10. Setting Time, place, climate, society, etc.
Often reflects the changes in plot and characterization

11. Characterization Direct vs Indirect Major vs Minor; Static vs Dynamic
Protagonists, Antagonists, and Foils
Stock Characters
Tragic hero
Sweet and innocent lovers
The stingy old man
The braggart soldier—more talk than action
Befuddled parents
Impertinent servants
Tricksters

12. Characterization in Drama
Usually no narrator to give direct characterization
Stage directions reveal actions
Soliloquies and asides reveal inner thoughts
Main form of knowledge about characters comes from what they say about themselves and each other

13. Mood Emotion of the piece
Often reflects the changes in plot and characterization

14. Theme The main idea or message in a work of literature
Many works have multiple themes which build together