Elements of Fiction

Ela

Character

Take part in the plot to move the action forward, speak dialogue, and perform different actions

Characters can be…

A person, animal, creature, being, or thing in a literary work.

Protagonist

The main character in the story; the story circles around this character’s experiences; Has been known as the “hero” of the story, but that is not true in every literary work

Antagonist

A character that opposes the protagonist; Has been known as the “villain” of the story, but not every story has an antagonist

Characterization

a means by which writers present and reveal characters – by direct description, by showing the character in action, or by the presentation of other characters who help to define each other.

Direct Characterization

The author tells you an exact character trait to describe said character (example: “The young girl was shy and frail, standing apart from her classmates.”)

Indirect Characterization

As the reader, you must infer character traits based on the way the author describes the character’s appearance, emotions, thoughts, speech, actions, interaction with other characters, and what characters say about each other

Plot

A series of events that form a literary work

Exposition

The first part of a story where characters, setting, and general information are introduced; Serves as an introduction to the literary work

Conflict (in the plot slide)

the problem or struggle the character(s) face(s); internal and external (definitions on the next slide)

Rising action

The conflict begins to affect the characters and events occur working up to the climax

Climax

When the main problem or conflict is resolved by the main character; solution to the problem; Point of highest interest or tension

Falling action

Events that occur after the climax; shows results of the climax; Events are slowing down and beginning to come to an end

Resolution

All loose ends are tied up and the literary work comes to a satisfying end; the conclusion of the story

Conflict (in the conflict slide)

the struggle between opposing forces; the problem the character faces

Internal conflict

the struggle between opposing forces; the problem the character faces

External conflict

a type of conflict that places characters at odds with forces outside themselves.

Character vs. Character (type of conflict)

occurs when two characters with opposing viewpoints or needs are at odds with each other.

Character vs. society(type of conflict)

this type of conflict puts the protagonist against broader forces of society. These forces can involve everything from social traditions and unspoken customs to government systems

Character vs. nature (type of conflict)

In this type of conflict, characters are threatened or kept apart by a natural force. That force may be represented by a powerful animal, a storm, an infectious disease, or some other natural phenomenon

Setting

is the physical and social context in which the action of a story occurs. The major elements of setting are the time, the place, and the social environment that frames the characters. These elements establish the world in which the characters act. Setting can be used to evoke a mood or atmosphere that will prepare the reader for what is to come.

Theme

The main idea or lesson that is learned from a literary work; The most significant idea or moral that the author is presenting throughout the story

Point of View (POV)

refers to who tells the story and how it is told

First person (type of POV)

means that the readers are seeing events through the eyes of the character telling the story.

Second person (type of POV)

the narrator is speaking to YOU, the reader

Third person (type of POV)

the narrator is describing what’s seen, but as a spectator. The narrator does not take part in the plot.

Limited (type of third person POV)

the narrator sees only what’s in front of him/her, a spectator of events as they unfold and unable to read any other character’s mind; the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.

Omniscient (type of third person POV)

narrator sees all; the narrator sees what each character is doing and can see into each character’s mind; narrator has full knowledge of all characters and situations

Objective (type of third person POV)

the narrator only relays the visible facts of the matter to the reader; lacks emotion, connection to characters, etc.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward a subject or audience. The author's tone in a literary work can reflect their personal opinion, or it can channel the feelings of a particular character. The author’s point of view.

Mood

The overall feeling perceived by and conveyed to the reader

Foreshadowing

When a writer gives an advanced hint of what is to come later on in the story

Flashback

An interruption of the chronological sequence of events in which an earlier occurrence is shared

Symbolism

When the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story and to represent ideas or qualities; used to provide deeper meaning to the writing passed what is being described (example: A dove symbolizes peace, a red rose or the color red symbolizes love and romance)

Dialogue

Words spoken out loud by characters; a conversation that occurs