Elements of FictionThe Basics of Understanding Literature

Today’s FocusI can define the surface meaning terms of

character, setting, point of view and plot.I can define the parts of plot: exposition,

rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.

The Very BasicsFiction

Any writing or story that is made upOpposite of…nonfiction

CharactersPeople who take part in the story!!

Main Characters

Characters who the events of the story center

around.

Minor Characters

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.

Setting

Time and place events occur in story.

Point of ViewThe view point of the story - Who the story is

told by1st person – words like “I,” “you,” and “me.”3rd person limited – words like “he,” “she,” and

“they.”3rd person omniscient (all knowing)– the

narrator can see into the thoughts of more than one character. They “know all.”

ConflictThe major problem in a story.

Internal person vs. self

External person vs. person person vs. society person vs. nature

PlotChain of related events that make up the story.

Plot centers on at least one major problem or conflict.

The Plot Diagram 3.

2. 4.

1. 5.

#1 - Exposition

1.

Background information a reader needs to know.

Can be about characters, setting, conflict, etc.

Continues throughout the story. Not just at the beginning.

#2 Rising ActionWhen the chain of

events becomes more complex

Creates desire to know what comes next. 2.

#3 - Climax

3.

Peak of story’s intensity

Most exciting partOften involves an

important event or decision.

#4 – Falling ActionThe events describing the results of the climax

4.

#5 - Resolution

5

Tells how the story ends

Not all stories have a resolution!!

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.

StyleHow a writer expresses himself or herself.Their writing personalityAlso called Voice.

ToneThe attitude of the author towards the

audience or the subject matterSet by word choiceExamples:

The dark, gloomy house loomed over our heads in dreary silence.

Each fabulous moment is thrilling and exciting!

ForeshadowingClues or hints to suggest later plot events

ImageryWords or phrases that appeal to the sensesMake a picture in your mindExamples:

Sight – “big, blue eyes like the ocean”Sound – “a thundering boom filled the room”Touch – “The puppy’s fur was soft and fluffy.”Taste – “The hot, spicy sauce burned my

tongue.”Smell – “The putrid odor of the rancid meat

made me gag.”

IronySituational irony – where an event occurs which is

unexpected because it is the exact opposite of what we thought would happen.

Example: I love chocolate. I love it so much. Any time I get a

chance to eat chocolate I will. I have posters of chocolate everywhere in my room. My freezer is full of chocolate ice cream. I eat about 5 pounds of chocolate a day.

I went to a party, and the host asked me if I wanted chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

I chose vanilla.