Presenter: Irina Cuzminih, SPU “Ion Creanga”, Moldova,Chisinau – 2008

Title of a storyThe title may focus the

readers attention on the central character, or may give a clue to the authors purpose or basic idea.

DirectMetaphoricalCombined

ThemeMain idea or message an author wishes to

shareThe “moral” of the storyNovels often have more than one themeRarely stated directly. The reader has to

interpret.

Settingthe time, place and period in which the action takes place.

The Bean Trees: Arizona/Oklahoma 1980s.The Catcher in the

Rye:New York, 1940s

Lord of the Flies: deserted island, the future.

Setting: can establish the atmosphere of a work.

PlotChain of related event that make up the story.

Plot centers on at least one major problem or conflict.

Climax (conflict and tension reach a peak, and characters

realize their mistake, etc.)

Exposition =

Introduction

(characters and setting

are introduced.)

Rising Action

(conflict and

suspense build

through a series of events).

Falling Action (conflict gets

worked out and tensions lessen.)

Resolution (conflict is resolved

and themes are established

.)

Plot Exposition: Introductory material giving setting,

tone, charactersRising Action: series of complications leading up

to the climaxConflict: Person vs…Person, Nature, Society,

Supernatural, SelfCrisis/Climax: Turning point in the conflict—

moment of highest interest and/or emotionFalling Action: Events after the climax which

close the story.Resolution (Denouement): Concludes the action

CharactersCharactersPeople who take part in the story!!

Main Main CharactersCharacters

Characters who the events of the story center

around.

Minor Minor CharactersCharacters

Less important characters.

The story does not revolve

around them.

ProtagonistThe “good guy.” The leading character in a particular story.

AntagonistThe “bad guy.” The character who strives against the protagonist.

ConflictThe major problem in a story.

Internal person vs. self

External person vs. person person vs. society person vs. nature person vs. machine person vs. religion