Understanding Fiction and Characters

Fiction

• Fiction is a writer's dream, made visible on a page.
• It can be based on a writer's lived experience, or entirely imagined.
• It isn't presented as a factual account, although it may be based on a true story or situation.
• Fiction is a form of literature.

Character

• A character is a person, animal, or imaginary creature in a story.
• Characters take part in the story's action.

Character Types

• Protagonist: The central character in a story, often the hero.
• Antagonist: The character or force working against the protagonist.
• Static Character: Stays the same throughout the story.
• Dynamic Character: Changes and learns something during the story.
• Flat Character: Has few personality traits, and doesn't change significantly in a story. Often a symbol or stereotype.
• Round Character: Convincing, complex, true to life. Usually changes during the story.

Characterization

• Characterization is how an author develops a character's personality.
• It includes details like physical appearance, personality, speech, behavior, actions, thoughts, and feelings.
• It helps reveal interactions between characters.

Stock Characters

• Stock characters have typical personalities and behaviors in stories.
• Familiar to readers even if presented in slightly different ways.
• Examples include: damsel in distress, evil genius, scientist, prince charming, whiz kid, miser-tight, noble savage, outlaw

Archetype

• Archetypes are original patterns/models in the same type.
• They serve as templates for building new characters.
• Examples include: mother figure (nurturing and caring), warrior (brave, strong, fierce), best friend (trustworthy), hero (overcomes impossible tasks to save others), mentor (wise person, teacher).

Dialogue

• Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters.
• It's used to show character relationships.
• It reveals plot points.

Setting

• Setting is the time and place where the action of a story takes place.
• Look for clues in the opening paragraphs.

Point of View

• Point of view is who tells the story and how the story is told.
• First Person POV (major): Story told from the perspective of a main character using "I" or "we".
• First Person POV (minor): Story told from a supporting/secondary character using "I" or "we".
• Second Person POV: Story told from "you" perspective; the narrator commenting on the story as it unfolds.
• Third Person POV (Limited Omniscient): Story told from the perspective of a specific character using "he/she/they". The narrative is delivered using "he," "she," or "they."
• Third Person POV (Omniscient): Story told from the perspective of a general observer who can see and analyze all details in the story.
• Third Person POV (Objective): Story is presented with details, but without interpretation by the narrator.

Plot

• Plot is the arrangement of events that make up a story.
• It's based on several key elements.
• Exposition: Introduces characters, setting, and background information.
• Rising Action/Complication: Conflicts, tension building toward a climax.
• Climax: The high point or turning point of the story, often a key decision affecting the outcome.
• Falling Action: Actions arising from the climax, leading toward the resolution.
• Resolution/Denouement: Loose ends are tied up, conclusions are revealed, bringing the story to a close.

Conflict

• Conflict is a struggle or clash between opposing forces.
• Person vs. Person: Struggle between characters. (can include protagonist vs antagonist)
• Person vs. Nature: Struggle against natural forces like weather, animals, etc.
• Person vs. Society: Struggle against laws, institutions, or traditions of society.
• Person vs. Technology: Struggle against technology that is beyond human control.
• Person vs. Supernatural: Struggle against supernatural forces like ghosts, aliens, etc..
• Person vs. Self: Internal conflict; the character struggles within their own mind or beliefs.

Theme

• Theme is the central idea or meaning of a story.

Tone

• Tone is the narrator's or viewpoint character's attitude toward story events and other characters..
• First person POV tones can also relate to the narrator's attitude toward the story.
• Visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory sensations add to tone.

Mood

• Mood is the atmosphere/vibe of a scene or a story.
• It refers to what the reader feels when reading.
• Mood can be expressed in terms of concepts like dark, light, rushed, suspenseful, heavy, etc.

Symbolism

• Symbolism uses objects, images, words, or events that convey a deeper meaning beyond their literal significance.

Author's Purpose

• Author's purpose is what the author intends to do with a piece of writing.
• Persuade: To influence the reader's beliefs.
• Inform: To teach the reader about something.
• Entertain: To engage and please the reader.