Identifying the Elements of Fiction

1. Identifying the Elements of Fiction Student Notes

2. Plot Diagram 4 3 5 1 6 2

3. Plot (definition) • Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. • In a well-written story each major event is necessary for the outcome • It consists of actions performed by characters and arise from the conflict set up in the story • Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

4. 1. Exposition • The opening situation of a story which introduces the characters and establishes the setting (time, place, atmosphere). • Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (1st complicating incident/initiating incident).

5. 2. Initiating Incident or 1st Complicating Incident • This complication gets the plot rolling • It is the first unexpected turn of events that sets the plot in motion • Without this element, the writer would never hold the reader’s attention

6. Types of Conflict • Conflict is a struggle between two opposing forces 1) This struggle may be EXTERNAL-between the main character and another person, group, or some part of the environment • Man vs man • Man vs society • Man vs nature/supernatural 2) Or the struggle may be INTERNAL- a struggle within the mind or conscience of the main character • Man vs himself

7. 3. Rising Action • This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

8. 4. Climax • This is the turning point of the story. • The highest emotional point of interest or tension • Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. • The end becomes inevitable; the reader is no longer in doubt about the outcome • The main character will change in some way.

9. 5. Falling Action • The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of. • It shows the aftermath of the main action

10. 6. Resolution • The tying up of loose ends in which everything is resolved • The story comes to a reasonable ending.

11. Putting It All Together • Exposition • Initiating Incident • 3. Rising Action • 4. Climax • 5. Falling Action • 6. Resolution Beginning of Story Middle of Story End of Story

12. Other Plot Terms • Flashback- an interruption of the main action by something which occurred at an earlier time • Foreshadowing- the dropping of clues which hint at something yet to happen • Irony- an outcome different than expected (also known as situational irony) • Surprise or Twist Ending- a plot twist or sudden unexpected revelation occurring near or at the end of a story that causes the audience to re-evaluate the story or charcters

13. Character Development • The PROTAGONIST is the main character. He/she is the one who changes as a result of the struggle • The opposing character or force is the ANTAGONIST • Characters can be either FLAT or ROUND • Flat Characters have only one or two character traits. They can often be a stereotype. Flat characters are often static characters; that is, they don’t change. • Round Characters are complex and have many dimensions to their “personality”. Round characters are often dynamic characters; they change and grow throughout the story

14. Characterization • The method by which an author informs his readers about the characters • The character’s physical appearance • The character’s actions • The character’s thoughts/conversations • What others say about the character • What the author directly tells us about the character

15. Character Traits • These are the words that describe personality • For example, a character may be selfish, greedy and a liar or the character may be generous, kind and loyal • Evidence from the story is used to illustrate these traits

16. Theme • Theme is the main idea, the message, or the “slice of life” the story reveals • It is a general truth • Themes are not stated directly, but rather implied in the story Examples: • Don’t judge someone based on appearance • Always go with your first instinct • Standing up for yourself, without parental support, is part of growing up • In your own writing, note that themes are always written as a sentence and should never be a cliché. Evidence from the story must be found to support your choice of theme

17. Point of View • The perspective from which the story is told- who tells the story • There are 3 main points of view: • Third Person Omniscient- story is told through the eyes of an all-knowing observer. He/she can move from place to place and see into the hearts and minds of all the characters. The pronouns “he, she, they” are used • First Person- the story is told by a single character who participates in the action. The pronouns “I, me, and we” are used. We need to realize the narrator telling the story may not me objective; we only see things through his eyes. • Third Person Limited- the author looks at events through one character’s mind and eyes but shows no knowledge of what other characters are thinking and feeling or doing, except what his chosen character can infer. The pronouns “he, she, they” are used.

18. Elements of fiction quiz!!! • Your quiz will consist of 20 matching questions. The quiz should take 5-10 minutes at the beginning of next class