2. Bellwork 8/15/13 Take out your “Letter to the teacher” stuff and begin working on finishing up the letter. I will only give you about 15-20 minutes to finish.

3. Take out a sheet of paper. Title it “Story Elements” Be ready to take notes!!

4. Plot The plot of a story is the sequence of events in a story Parts of the Plot: The Exposition, or basic situation, starts out the plot. During this part of the story, the setting, characters, and conflict is introduced. This part answers who, where, when, and “What’s the problem?”

5. Plot Elements Rising Action – the events that happen that lead up to the climax Climax – the moment when the outcome of the conflict is decided…it answers the question you’ve wondered all along. Falling Action – the events that happen after the climax, but are still related to the conflict Resolution, or Denouement, where any other events that occur after the main conflict end (and all is well with the world).

6. Conflict A conflict is a struggle that occurs within the story.

7. 4 Main Types of Conflict Person vs Person: When two people/animals/characters are in conflict or fighting/struggling with each other Person vs. Self: When the main character is in conflict or struggling with her/himself and how s/he feels

8. 4 Types of Conflict cont’d Person vs. Technology: When the main character is in conflict with something that deals with technology Person vs. Environment: When the main character is in conflict or struggling with the natural world.

9. Internal vs. External Conflict The 4 types of conflict fit into 2 different categories: – Internal - when a character is struggling with something in their heart or mind – External - when a character is struggling with an outside force In which category does each type of conflict go? – Internal: – External:

10. Characters The people, animals, or creatures in a story

11. Protagonist The main character of a story who we follow throughout the story and try to relate to. S/he is who we see in conflict with someone or something.

12. Antagonist The antagonist of a story is the person or thing that the protagonist is in conflict with. Sometimes the antagonist doesn’t have to be a specific person.

13. Setting The setting of a story is the TIME and PLACE that the story occurs. Often times there will be many settings within a story; however, we can always come up with a general statement about the setting by asking ourselves these questions: – When in time is the story taking place? How do we know? – Is there a main location for the story? What is it, and how do we know?

14. Theme Theme is an idea about life or human nature that the writer tries to share with the reader. – Example: In the Twilight series, the theme is that love can conquer all obstacles. – In the short story “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” the theme is that one shouldn’t ask for help unless you truly need it. The theme of a story can either be STATED or IMPLIED. – If a theme is stated, then the author includes the theme within the story itself. – If a theme is implied, then the author expects the reader to understand the theme or message based on the story itself.

15. The Plot’s Format in a Diagram Exposition or Introduction Conflict Introduced Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution or Denouement