Elements Of Fiction PDF

ELEMENTS OF FICTION Creative Writing is used extensively in literature. It is used to capture ‘significant human experiences’ or describe in vivid details feelings, emotions, and memories that may be real or not. Literature comes in three genres: - prose - poetry - drama Prose can be classified...

ELEMENTS OF FICTION Creative Writing is used extensively in literature. It is used to capture ‘significant human experiences’ or describe in vivid details feelings, emotions, and memories that may be real or not. Literature comes in three genres: - prose - poetry - drama Prose can be classified as fiction and nonfiction. Fiction consists of works that are based on fabricated events and experiences, as opposed to the factual nature of nonfiction. Fiction is make-believe, invented stories. Fiction is divided into short and long type : - long fiction is also known as the novel - short fiction, popularly named as short story, can also be a novella, novelette or flash fiction Novelette – 1,000 – 7,500 words Flash fiction – under 1,000 words Any piece of creative writing that is longer than a novelette but shorter than a novel is considered a novella.  ELEMENTS OF FICTION 1. Plot 2. Characterization 3. Conflict 4. Narration/ Point of view 5. Theme  1. PLOT - is the order of events in the story. - structure or framework of the story - sequence or timeline of events as they transpire PLOT STRUCTURE  a. Exposition - is an introduction to the characters, time, and the problem. - This creates the beginning of the story.  b. Rising Action - includes the events that the main character encounters. Each event, developed in separate scenes, makes the problem more complex.  c. Climax - is the turning point in the story. Usually, it is a single event with the greatest intensity and uncertainty. The main character must contend with the problem at this point.  d. Falling Action - includes the events that unfold after the climax. This usually creates an emotional response from the reader.  e. Denouement/ Resolution - provides closure to the story. It ties up loose ends in the story. 2. CHARACTERIZATION CHARACTERS are the people, animals, or aliens in the story. Readers come to know the characters through what they say, what they think, and how they act.  2. CHARACTERIZATION The primary source of action and dialogue in a work of fiction are its characters. How these characters are revealed or detailed to the readers/audience is called characterization. 2. CHARACTERIZATION The main or major character is also known as the protagonist because the conflict revolves around him or her.  2. CHARACTERIZATION The source of this conflict is the antagonist. A special type of character is the antihero, who initiates conflict in the story but also happens to be its main character.  2. CHARACTERIZATION In terms of prominence, a character may be main/major, supporting, participant (has one or two lines) or mentioned (has no lines but is mentioned). In terms of development, a character may be described as static (there is no change that occurs in the role/portrayal) or dynamic (there is change).  2. CHARACTERIZATION A character’s description in a story can be termed as round or flat. A round character is a complex character. These characters have multidimensional personalities and distinct motives, flaws, qualities and backgrounds.  2. CHARACTERIZATION A flat character is a simple character. They have one or two-dimensional personalities and are relatively uncomplicated. Most flat characters only have one or two characteristics or personality traits, and they lack depth.  3. CONFLICT - is the heart of fiction. - It can be either internal or external. Internal conflict suggests that the main character is facing a dilemma or needs to choose between two options of equal weight and consequences.  3. CONFLICT External conflict, being the more common, can be in any of the following forms: Man vs. man Man vs. society Man vs. nature Man vs. time Man vs. the unknown 4. NARRATION/ POINT OF VIEW Narration is the voice that guides the reader throughout the progress or flow of a story. Stories are generally told in one of two points of views: a. First-person point of view b. Third-person point of view 4. NARRATION/ 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. They can read it as if they are the characters because personal pronouns like I, me, my, we, us and our are used. 4. NARRATION/ POINT OF VIEW Third-person point of view means that the narrator is not in the story. The third person is not a character. -can be done in two ways: Third-person limited Third-person omniscient 4. NARRATION/ POINT OF VIEW Third-person limited that the narrator limits him/herself by being able to be in one’s character’s thoughts. Third-person omniscient means the narrator has unlimited ability to be in various character’s thoughts. 4. NARRATION/ POINT OF VIEW 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. 5. THEME A theme is not the plot of the story. It is the underlying truth that is being conveyed in the story. Common themes include coming of age, circle of life, prejudice, greed, good vs. evil, beating the odds, etc.