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