Elements of Fiction Review

Plot

the main events that occur throughout a story (ex: conflicts, resolutions, and climax)

The plot can be broken down into what six elements?

1. exposition

2. inciting incident / complication

3. rising action

4. crisis

5. climax

6. falling action / resolution

Exposition

• the introduction that sets the stage for the story

• we learn about the characters, setting, and background information

Inciting Incident / Complication

a single event that foreshadows the main conflict

Rising action

the story builds and gets more exciting

Crisis

the turning point; the point where the conflict reaches its greatest tension

Climax

• the consequence of the crisis

• the story’s high point

• may take the shape of an action, decision, or realization

Resolution / Falling Action

• the end of the story

• this is where final questions are answered and secrets are revealed

Setting

the time, place, social and historical context of a story

Theme

the main idea of the story (what’s the subject and what truth is the author trying to reveal about it?)

Point of view

the perspective from which a story is told (1st, 2nd, 3rd person)

Style

the writer’s choice of language, the type of sentences they use, and how they structure their writing

Tone

the writer’s attitude toward the subject and readers

Figurative language

the use of words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation, often to create imagery or convey emotions (ex: similes, metaphors, and personification)

Imagery

language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

Symbolism

• the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond the literal meaning of the thing (ex: an owl may represent wisdom)