1. Plot, Setting, Theme, Conflict, Character
The Elements of a Story
Plot, Setting, Theme, Conflict, Character

2. The Elements of a Story
Today we are going to talk about the five main elements of a story.
Plot, Character, Conflict, Theme, and Setting

3. Step One: Open your notebooks to the first whole page.
Fold the top page in half long ways (hot dog).
Label the left side “The Elements of a Story”

4. Step Two:
Glue the left half of your page to the top of the next page in your notebook, so that the left half is stuck down and the right side can fold over.

5. Step Three:
Cut the right folding side of your paper into 5 fairly equal flaps.
If you are using WIDE RULED paper: make a cut every 5th line
If you are using COLLEGE RULED paper: make a cut every 6th or 7th line

6. Step Four:
Label your flaps with the following words from top to bottom:
1. Character
2. Plot
3. Setting
4. Conflict
5. Theme

7. Step Five:
As we talk about each of the elements, write facts/definitions about that element on the paper below the flap.
Write examples on the other side of the flap.

8. Intro to the Elements

9. Character
The characters in the story are the individuals – usually people or animals – that perform the actions in the story.
The main character is the most talked about character in a story or written piece.
Who are some famous characters that you have heard of?

10. Plot
The plot is the storyline of the book. The plot of a story has a beginning, middle, and end.
How would you describe the plot of the story of Cinderella?

11. Setting
The setting is the place where the action takes place. It includes a description of the environment, location, and timing of the action.
What are some examples of setting from stories you have read?

12. Conflict
The conflict is the problem that happens in a story. The plot of a story introduces readers to the conflict, and eventually leads them to the climax. This is when the suspense and action in a story is highest.
The resolution is when a problem is fixed.

13. Theme
The theme of a story is the main idea of a story. Sometimes it is a lesson, and other times it is an idea, feeling, or belief. There can be many themes in the same story.
What could be a possible theme for the story “Beauty and the Beast”? What other stories can you find a theme for?