1. Elements of Fiction (notes)

3. Plot (def.) – The sequence of events in a story\ A. Exposition
Sets the stage for the story
Main characters are introduced
Setting is established
Source of the “problem” is revealed

4. B. Complications (a.k.a. “Rising Action”)
Problem increases (becomes bigger/more intense)
Character(s) struggle to find solutions to the problem
Suspense, action, and excitement are increasing
Stumbling blocks occur (get in the way of main character solving the problem)

5. C. Climax Turning point of the story
The point at which the suspense, action, and excitement reaches a peak (at its greatest)
Everything in the story builds up to this moment

6. D. Resolution Falling action occurs
1. The conflict/problem is resolved
2. Loose ends are tied-up
3. We see how the characters are changed (physically, mentally, and/or emotionally)
4. The story ends

7. II. Conflict (def.) – the “problem” faced by the main character
A. 2 types of Conflict
1. Internal conflict
The problem lies within the main character
Examples: fear, jealousy, insecurity
2. External conflict
The problem is between the main character and someone/something else
Examples: person, weather, animal, monster, time

8. III. Setting (def. ) – the time and place in which the action occurs 1
III. Setting (def.) – the time and place in which the action occurs 1. Because the scenes will often change in a story, the setting is the most specific time and place in which all the scenes occur

9. IV. Point of View (def.) – from what perspective the story is told
A. 2 types of point of view
1. First person
Everything is told by the main character
See the story/action unfold through the main character’s eyes
Uses pronouns “I”, “me”, “my”, “we”, and “us”
2. Third person
Told by an outside observer
See the story/action unfold through the eyes of an outside observer
A.k.a. “omniscient” narrator
Uses pronouns “he”, “she”, and “they”

10. V. Tone (def. ) – the overall feeling of a story
V. Tone (def.) – the overall feeling of a story *examples: funny, dark, sad, scary, thrilling, suspenseful

11. VI. Protagonist (def.) – the main character(s) of a story

12. VII. Antagonist (def.) – person, force, or thing that works against the main character