The Facts About Fiction
Based on true story…or is it?
Why do people write and read stories?
O EscapismO Imagine possibilities, experience
places you haven’t been—no matter how absurd or fantastical
O Find truth, not factsO EntertainmentO Learn moralityO Learn philosophy—be exposed to
new ideas
What are the “advantages” of fiction?
O Isn’t constrained by factsO Can be very effective at providing
insights into/philosophies about human nature
O Has the advantage of using storytelling techniques to draw readers in, entertain and lead them somewhere—easier to manipulate readers
O Familiar archetypes/symbols to connect readers/society
What makes a “good” story?
O A good story is anything that makes you “feel” something; it affects you in some way—maybe it makes you laugh, cry, think, get angry, etc.
O It helps you to understand some aspect of the human condition a little bit better than you already do; it helps you to expand your understanding of the world.
O It helps you to somehow better understand you.
What stories have affected you in some way?
What are the basic elements of a well-crafted story?
1. Plot & Conflict2. Setting & Mood3. Character Type, Characterization,
Character Development4. Point of View/Perspective5. Symbolism (& Motif)6. Style (& Tone)7. Theme
So what do you know about PLOT?
O Definition? (See PLOT PP.)O How does it relate to conflict? (See PLOT PP.)O What are the building blocks of plot? (See PLOT PP.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: Let’s create a basic plot together!O TEXT: The SniperO Progress Assessment: Map out the parts of plot for
“The Sniper”.O Tying it all together: How does the author’s plot
choices help to have more of an impact and create more meaning?
O Creative Task/Progress Assessment: Plot Comic
So let’s talk about conflict!
O Definition? (See CONFLICT PP.)O How does it relate to plot? (See CONFLICT PP.)O What are the types of conflict? (See CONFLICT PP.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: Students brainstorm for and discuss
examples of each type of conflict from books and movies they’ve read or watched.
O TEXT: “Death by Scrabble”O Progress Assessment: SGQ for “Death by Scrabble”O Tying it all together: How can an author’s conflict
choices create a better story or make a bigger impact on the reader?
O Creative Task: NONE
Setting & MoodO Definition and Notes (See Setting & Mood PP.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: ROOM RAIDERS!!!!O TEXT: “The Silent Towns”O Progress Assessment: SGQ for “The Silent
Towns”O Tying it all together: How can an author’s
setting choices create a more effective mood? How might an author’s setting choices change the feeling or effectiveness for certain stories?
O Creative Task: NONE
Character Type, Characterization and Character Development
O Definition and Notes (See Character(ization) pp.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: “Class Character Story” (See
pp.)O TEXT: “The Possibility of Evil”O Progress Assessment: SGQ for “The Possibility
of Evil”O Tying it all together: How can an author’s
character choices make or break the effectiveness of a character or story overall? How are character development and theme connected? (See pp.)
O Creative Task: TBD
Point of View
Symbolism
Diction Choices: Style and Tone
Theme
Recap
Review Discussion and Assignment(s)
Any Questions?
Final Assessment(s)