Understanding Fiction: Elements and Analysis

1. The Elements of Fiction Overview

2. SETTING • The time and place in which the action of a story happens.

3. PLOT • The sequenceof events in a story. • There are 5 essential parts of plot. • Exposition - sets the stage, characters introduced, setting explained • Rising action - occurs as the story continues, central conflict unfolds, suspense builds. • Climax - turning point of the story, action reaches a peak, outcome of the conflict is decided. May be a solution to the problem. • Falling action - tensions decrease as the conflict begins to be settled. • Resolution – the solution to the problem occurs at the story’s end, loose ends are usually tied up.

4. Plot Plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows arrangement of events and actions within a story.

5. Plot Components Climax: the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax Falling Action: all of the action which follows the climax Exposition: the start of the story, the situation before the action starts Resolution: the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads

6. CONFLICT • Conflict is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story. • All stories have some type of conflict. • Internal conflict is that which occurs within a person. • External conflict is that which occurs outside a person. • Types of Conflict • Person vs. Person – problem between two characters • Person vs. Society – problem between character(s) and the laws or beliefs of a group • Person vs. Nature – problem between character(s) and a force of nature • Person vs. Self – problem between character(s) and themselves

7. CHARACTERIZATION • People, animals or imaginary creatures who take part in the action of a story. • Pro-tagonist : Look at the prefix. Think “pro” as in being “for” the good side. • Ant-agonist : Prefix again, think “anti” as in being “against the good side. • Characterization is the information the author gives the reader about the characters. The author may reveal the character in several ways. • His/her physical appearance • What he/she says, thinks, feels and dreams • What others say about him/her • How others react to him/her • What he/she does or does not do (actions)

8. POINT OF VIEW • The point of view is the vantage point from which a story is told. • First person • uses the pronouns I, me, and we. • The narrator is a character in the story. • The reader sees the story through the character’s eyes as he/she experiences it and only knows what he/she knows or feels. • Third person limited • uses the pronouns he, she, they. • The narrator is not a character in the story. • The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only ONE of the main characters. • Third person omniscient • uses the pronouns he, she, and they. • The narrator is not a character in the story. • The narrator knows the thoughts, feelings and actions of ALL characters.

9. THEME • Meaning, moral or main message the writer wishes to share with the reader. • Anyone who reads the story can use the theme. • It is universal.

10. TO FIND THEME….. • Think about the meaning of the title of the story • Skim the story for key phrases about big ideas such as courage, freedom or honesty • Examine how the main character changes or what he or she learns about life.