1、Elements of a StoryWhat you need to know!SettingCharactersPlot ConflictResolutionPoint of ViewThemeSettingSetting is the“where and when”of a story.It is the time and place during which the story takes place.To create a mood or atmosphereTo show a reader a different way of lifeTo make action seem mor
2、e realTo be the source of conflict or struggleTo symbolize an ideaMoodMood is the feeling that the author tries to convey throughout the story.The atmosphere or emotional condition created by the piece,within the setting.Does the author want the reader to be frightened or sad,or does the story make
3、the reader laugh and think happy thoughts?To figure out mood,examine how you feel while reading the story.Often mood is conveyed by the storys setting.CharactersThe person,animals,and things participating in a storyCharactersProtagonist and antagonist are used to describe characters.The protagonist
4、is the main character of the story,the one with whom the reader identifies.This person is not necessary“good”.The antagonist is the force in opposition of the protagonist;this person may not be“bad”or“evil”,but he/she opposes the protagonist in a significant wayPlot Plot(definition)(definition)Plot
5、is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story.Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story.It shows arrangement of events and actions within a story.Exposition-introduction;characters,setting and conflict(problem)are introducedRising Action-events that o
6、ccur as result of central conflict Climax-highest point of interest or suspense of a storyFalling Action-tension eases;events show the results of how the main character begins to resolve the conflictResolution-loose ends are tied up;the conflict is solvedPlot Diagram 213451.ExpositionThis usually oc
7、curs at the beginning of a short story.Here the characters are introduced.We also learn about the setting of the story.Most importantly,we are introduced to the main conflict(main problem).2.Rising Action2.Rising ActionThis part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s).A building of interest o
8、r suspense occurs and leads to the climax.Complications arise3.ClimaxThis is the turning point of the story.Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict.The main character will change in some way.This is the most intense moment.4.Falling ActionAction that follows the climax and ulti
9、mately leads to the resolution5.ResolutionThe conclusion;all loose ends are tied up.Either the character defeats the problem,learns to live with the problem,or the problem defeats the character.Putting It All Together1.Exposition 2.Rising Action3.Climax4.Falling Action5.ResolutionBeginning of StoryM
10、iddle of StoryEnd of StorySetting,characters,and conflict are introducedIntroduction/ExpositionDevelopment/Rising ActionClimaxFalling ActionResolutionSuspense-excitement,tension,curiosityForeshadowing-hint or clue about what will happen in storyFlashback-interrupts the normal sequence of events to t
11、ell about something that happened in the pastSymbolism use of specific objects or images to represent ideasPersonification when you make a thing,idea or animal do something only humans doSurprise Ending-conclusion that reader does not expectConflictConflict is the dramatic struggle between two force
12、s in a story.Without conflict,there is no plot.Types of External ConflictCharacter vs NatureCharacter vs SocietyCharacter vs CharacterCharacter vs Fate Q ui ckTi m e?and aTI FF(U ncom pressed)decom pressorare needed to see thi s picture.Type of Internal ConflictCharacter vs.SelfPoint of ViewFirst Pe
13、rson Point of View-a character from the story is telling the story;uses the pronouns“I”and“me”Third Person Point of View-an outside narrator is telling the story;uses the pronouns“he”,“she”,“they”Types of Third-Person Point of ViewThird-Person LimitedThe narrator knows the thoughts and feelings on o
14、nly ONE character in a story.Third-Person OmniscientThe narrator knows the thoughts and feeling of ALL the characters in a story.The theme is the central,general message,the main idea,the controlling topic about life or people the author wants to get across through a literary workTo discover the the
15、me of a story,think big.What big message is the author trying to say about the world in which we live?What is this story telling me about how life works,or how people behave?The Theme is also the practical lesson(moral)that we learn from a story after we read it.The lesson that teaches us what to do or how to behave after you have learned something from a story or something that has happened to you.Example:The lesson or teaching of the story is be careful when youre offered something for nothing.Any questions?
