1. Elements of Fiction

2. What happens to whom and when.
Plot Structure
The plot structure is simply the progress of the action of the story:
What happens to whom and when.

3. Five Elements of Plot
Exposition – introduction setting, character and sometimes conflict
Rising Action – conflict intensifies
Climax – an action or decision is made to impact the outcome of the story
Falling Action – the consequence of the action or decision made at the climax
Resolution – The conflict is resolved

4. Plot Diagram

5. Setting
The time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting. For some stories the setting is very important, while for others it is not.

6. Setting
a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc)

7. Setting
a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c)  weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc?

8. Setting
a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c)  weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? d)  social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local color (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)?

9. Setting
a)  place - geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? b)  time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c)  weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? d)  social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local color (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)? e)  mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story?  Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?

10. Characters
A person, animal, or imaginary creature that takes part in the action of a story.

11. Characters Main – most important, impact the outcome of story
Protagonist – the character central to the action of the story and attempting to overcome conflict
Antagonist – the character who/that creates conflict
Minor – interact with main characters, but do not impact the outcome of the story

12. Characters Dynamic – undergo changes as story progresses
Static - remain the same throughout the story
Round – character traits revealed in greater detail
Flat – character traits are simply stated

13. Characterization 1. Description – physical appearance and personality
2. Background – personal history
3. Words and Deeds – what the character says and does
4. Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions
5. Reaction of Others – other characters thoughts, feelings, and actions toward a character

14. Conflict
The struggle between opposing forces central to the action of the story.
The protagonist struggles to overcome the conflict.
The antagonist generally creates the conflict.

15. Conflict Person vs. Person – a problem with another character
Person vs. Society – a problem with the laws or beliefs of a group
Person vs. Nature – a problem with a force of nature/environment
Person vs. Self – a problem deciding what to do or think
Person vs. Fate – a problem that seems uncontrollable

16. Perspective
The perspective or point of view from which the author presents a story.
Who is narrating the story?

17. Perspective First Person Point of View –
Story told by one of the characters using first person pronouns such as I or we.
This narrator participates in much of the action of the story.
The reader is limited to knowing only what that character knows, thinks, and feels.

18. Perspective Third Person Point of View
Story is told by a narrator who is not a character in the story.
The story told in third person pronouns such as he, she, and they.
Omniscient - When the thoughts and feelings of all characters are revealed
Limited Omniscient – thoughts and feelings of just one character, usually the protagonist are revealed

19. Verbal Irony An author or character says something, but means
something else.
What is said is often the opposite of what is meant.
The character is aware of the irony.
The reader is aware of the irony.

20. Dramatic Irony
The reader knows something about a character’s situation
that the character(s) does not know.
The character is unaware of the irony.
The reader is aware of the irony.

21. Situational Irony
What actually happens is not what is expected to happen.
Situational irony often defies logic.
The character does not expect the outcome (irony).
The reader does not expect the outcome (irony).

22. Foreshadowing A writer’s use of clues or hints to indicate events
or situations that will occur later in the plot.

23. What is the writer’s message?
Theme
What’s the big idea?
What is the writer’s message?

24. Theme
The statement about life that the author wants to convey to the reader. A universal message that transcends space and time