1. Setting Geographical location, physical surroundings, historical time period, and time of day

2. A variety of devices give this information Sights, smells, sounds, actual historical events, styles of architecture and clothing, and modes of transportation

3. Setting suggests action Every setting has a potential for action

4. Setting helps make a story Believable A true-to-life setting makes the whole story ring true Details create a believable setting

5. Setting expresses the theme Providing the most appropriate surroundings for expressing a particular theme