Art of Fiction summer 2024.docx

### Art of Fiction summer 2024 ### What are the elements of fiction? - The immediate surroundings of the characters such as props in a scene: trees, furniture, food, inside of a house or car, etc. - The time of day such as morning, afternoon, or night. - The weather such as cloudy, sun...

### Art of Fiction summer 2024 ### What are the elements of fiction? - The immediate surroundings of the characters such as props in a scene: trees, furniture, food, inside of a house or car, etc. - The time of day such as morning, afternoon, or night. - The weather such as cloudy, sunny, windy, snow, or rain, etc. - The time of year, particularly the seasons: fall, winter, summer, spring. - The historical period such as what century or decade the story takes place. - The geographical location including the city, state, country, and possibly even the universe, if the writer is writing science fiction. Conflict Conflict is the struggle between two entities. In story writing the main character, also known as the protagonist, encounters a conflict with the antagonist, which is an adversary. The conflict may be one of six kinds: - Character vs. character - Character vs. nature or natural forces - Character vs. society or culture - Character vs. machine or technology - Character vs. God - Character vs himself or herself Point of View Stories are generally told in one of two points of views: - First-person point of view - Third-person point of view First-person point of view means that one of the characters in the story will narrate--give an account--of the story. The narrator may be the protagonist, the main character. Writing in first-person point of view brings the readers closer to the story. They can read it as if they are the character because personal pronouns like *I, me, my, we,* us, and *our* are used. Third-person point of view means that the narrator is not in the story. The third-person narrator is not a character. Third- person point of view can be done two ways: - Third-person limited - Third-person omniscient Third-person limited means that the narrator limits him/herself by being able to be in one character's thoughts. Whereas, third-person omniscient means the narrator has unlimited ability to be in various character's thoughts. Writing in third- person point of view removes readers from the story because of the pronouns *he, she, it, him, her, his, hers, they, them*, and *theirs*. Theme The theme is not the plot of the story. It is the underlying truth that is being conveyed in the story. Themes can be universal, meaning they are understood by readers no matter what culture or country the readers are in. Common themes include coming of age, circle of life, prejudice, greed, good vs. evil, beating the odds, etc. The elements of fiction are the fundamental building blocks that authors use to create stories. Understanding these elements is crucial for both writing fiction and analyzing literary works. Here\'s an elaboration on the key elements of fiction: \#\#\# 1. Plot: - \*\*Definition\*\*: The sequence of events that make up a story. It includes the exposition (introduction of characters and setting), rising action (conflicts and complications), climax (the turning point), falling action (events following the climax), and resolution (conclusion). - \*\*Significance\*\*: Plot provides structure and momentum to a story, keeping readers engaged and invested in the narrative\'s outcome. \#\#\# 2. Character: - \*\*Definition\*\*: The individuals who inhabit the story and drive the plot forward. Characters can be protagonists (central characters), antagonists (opposing characters), or supporting characters. - \*\*Characterization\*\*: The methods used to develop characters, including physical descriptions, actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. - \*\*Significance\*\*: Characters add depth and complexity to a story, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative. \#\#\# 3. Setting: - \*\*Definition\*\*: The time and place in which the story takes place. Setting includes physical locations, historical contexts, cultural backgrounds, and atmospheric elements. - \*\*Significance\*\*: Setting establishes the story\'s context, mood, and atmosphere, providing a backdrop against which characters interact and events unfold. \#\#\# 4. Point of View (POV): - \*\*Definition\*\*: The perspective from which the story is narrated. Common points of view include first-person (narrated by a character using \"I\" or \"we\"), third-person limited (narrated by an external observer with access to one character\'s thoughts and feelings), and third-person omniscient (narrated by an external observer with access to multiple characters\' thoughts and feelings). - \*\*Significance\*\*: Point of view shapes the reader\'s understanding of the story and influences their perception of characters, events, and themes. \#\#\# 5. Theme: - \*\*Definition\*\*: The central idea, message, or insight conveyed by the story. Themes are universal concepts that explore the human condition, such as love, identity, justice, freedom, and mortality. - \*\*Significance\*\*: Themes provide depth and resonance to a story, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences. \#\#\# 6. Conflict: - \*\*Definition\*\*: The struggle between opposing forces that propels the plot forward. Conflict can be internal (within a character\'s mind or emotions) or external (between characters, society, nature, or fate). - \*\*Significance\*\*: Conflict generates tension, suspense, and drama, driving character development and thematic exploration. \#\#\# 7. Tone and Style: - \*\*Definition\*\*: Tone refers to the author\'s attitude toward the subject matter and characters, while style encompasses the author\'s unique voice, language, and writing techniques. - \*\*Significance\*\*: Tone and style contribute to the story\'s atmosphere, mood, and emotional impact, shaping readers\' perceptions and responses. Lecture Two: