Elements of Fiction PDF

Elements of Fiction Theme Plot Setting Characterization Narration A Presentation brought to you by E. Papa  Plot Simply put, plot is what happens in...

Elements of Fiction Theme Plot Setting Characterization Narration A Presentation brought to you by E. Papa  Plot Simply put, plot is what happens in the story. Some call it the storyline. Describe the plot in ten words or less without revealing the plot’s climax or resolution.  Theme It’s the moral or main idea of the story. Themes do not provide any plot developments and apply to many types of stories in almost any genre.  Characterization The main character in a story is called the protagonist. She or he is always involved in the main conflict and its resolution. The person opposing the protagonist is called the antagonist.  Narration First Person Point of View: The narrator tells the story and is a character in the story. (Pronouns: I, me, us, we, our, etc.) Third Person Omniscient: The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell you the thoughts and actions of all characters at all times. (Pronouns: he, she, him, her, they, them, etc.) Third Person Limited: The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell you the thoughts and actions of a few key characters at all times. (Pronouns: he, she, him, her, they, them, etc.)  Setting The setting provides us with the when and where the story took place. In addition, the context or historical background in which the story is set provides us with additional plot information. The three W’s of setting When = the timeframe, Where = place or location, and Why = the context in which the story is set  Flat Characterization A character who has one or two sides, representing one or two traits—often a stereotype. Flat characters help move the plot along more quickly because the audience immediately understands what the character is about. Example: Like a geeky science professor  Round Characterization A character who is complex and has many sides or traits with unpredictable behavior and a fully developed personality. Antagonists are usually a round characterization. Example: Like The Green Goblin (Norman Osborn)  Dynamic Characterization A character who experiences an essential change in personality or attitude. Protagonists are almost always dynamic. Example: Stitch, from Lilo and Stitch  Static Characterization A character who does not change or develop beyond the way in which she or he is first presented. Example: Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Types of Conflict Conflict refers to any form of opposition in a story. External Conflict There are three types of external conflict: character vs. character; character vs. society; and character vs. nature. Character vs. Character The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with others, especially the antagonist. Character vs. Society The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with society as a whole. Character vs. Nature The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with the elements of nature. Internal Conflict The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with her or his conscience.  THANK YOU FOR THE ATTENTION AND PATIENCE