1. Elements of Fiction

2. The Main Elements Plot Setting Character Conflict Symbol Point of View
Used by fiction writers to develop a story and its Theme.

3. Plot
Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story.
Shows the arrangement of events and actions within a story.
Exposition- Start of the story. Gives basic details the reader will need to know.
Rising Action- Series of conflicts and crisis leading up to the Climax
Climax- turning point. This is the most intense moment in the story. It can be emotionally intense or intense due to action going on.
Falling action- all of the action following the climax.
Resolution- conclusion or ending of the story. Loose threads are tied together.

4. Plot Diagram

5. Setting Where the story takes place
Physical/Geographical- Place the story takes place, Ex: Mountain Home, Paris, Peru, etc
Time period- When in time the story takes place. Ex: WWII, Present, etc
Socio-Economic Characteristics- wealthy suburbs, city during the depression, etc
Specific places- Where exactly the story is set. Ex: A school house, a field, etc.

6. Character
The people (or animals or things, depending on the story) who appear in a story.
Round Characters- convincing and true to life. Have many personality traits
Flat Characters- stereotyped, shallow characters who only show one or two traits. Often are symbolic.
Dynamic Characters- undergo change and development throughout the story due to something happening to them or in their lives
Static Characters- do not change over the course of the story

7. Character Protagonist- Main character in a story. Ex: Cinderella
Antagonist- Character opposing the protagonist. Ex: Cinderella’s stepmother
Direct characterization: the author develops the character through direct statements. Ex: Cinderella was beautiful and nice.
Indirect Characterization: Devoloping a character through their thoughts, what they say, comments made by other characters about them, and their physical appearance.

8. Conflict Conflict is a struggle between two forces.
Two types: internal and external
Internal conflict: conflict within a person, with themselves.
External conflict: Conflict outside of a person. This can be a conflict with nature, with society or with a person

9. Symbol Represents an idea, quality, or concept larger than itself.
A journey could symbolize life
Water could represent cleanliness and renewal
A lion could represent courage
A rose could represent love

10. Point of View The perspective from which the story is being told.
Who is telling the story?
How do we know what is happening?
Different points of view:
Omniscient- Author is telling the story directly. Knows everything going on, and what each character is thinking.
Limited Omniscient/Third Person- Told from a character in the story. Knows all.
First Person- Told from a character’s point of view. Uses “I”

11. Theme Central idea or message in the story.
Usually contains some insight into the human condition and life.
Can be stated directly or implied through the story’s actions and events.