Elements of Fiction

1. Elements of Fiction

2. Characters • A character is a person, animal, or imaginary creature • 2 Kinds of Characters: Protagonist: main character or hero Antagonist: another character which causes conflict for the protagonist. The antagonist can be a character, society, or object.

3. Characterization • A description of individuals in a story 5 Ways to Develop a Character: • Physical Description of Character • Character’s Speech, Thought, and Actions • The Speech, Thoughts, and Actions of Other Characters • Eye-Awakening Situations • Direct Statement about Character

4. Setting • Where and When a story takes place

5. Plot • The sequence of events in a story 5 Parts of Plot: • Exposition • Rising Action • Climax • Falling Action • Resolution

6. Plot Diagram Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Resolution

7. Plot- Exposition -the beginning part of a story that: • Sets the tone • Establishes the setting • Introduces characters • Gives the reader important background information

8. Plot- Rising Action • series of actions which lead the story to the climax

9. Plot- Climax • “turning point” of the story The climax is the point of maximum interest. It usually occurs toward the end of a story, after the reader has understood the conflict and become emotionally involved with the characters. At the climax, the outcome of the plot becomes clear.

10. Plot- Falling Action • occurs after the climax • conflicts are beginning to be resolved- loose ends are tied up

11. Plot- Resolution • part of the story where the problem or conflict is solved • occurs after the climax and falling action • “the end”

12. Conflict • struggle between a character and an opposing force • 2 Kinds of Conflict: Internal Conflict External Conflict

13. External Conflict • struggle between a character and an outside force such as society, nature, or another character • Man vs. Man • Man vs. Nature • Man vs. Society • Man vs. Animal • Man vs. Machine

14. Internal Conflict • struggle within a character’s mind • usually occurs when a character has to make a decision or to deal with feelings • Man Vs. Self

15. Theme • The underlying message in a story that deals with life or human nature • When determining theme, think about: • the title • the way a character changes and what they learn • Big ideas such as courage and freedom