Literary Elements!

Fiction Stories that come from a writer’s

imagination are called fiction. 2 forms of fiction

short storiesUsually revolves around a single idea

Is short enough to be read at one sitting

novelsInvolves a more complicated plotIs a longer work

FictionBoth contain the elements of: plot, character, setting, and theme

Purpose of fiction is to entertain, but can provider a reader with a deeper understanding of life

Elements of Plot

List as many parts of the plot diagram as you can think of/remember!

Elements of Plot

Exposition

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

Conflict THEME

PlotThe sequence of events in a story. It is usually built around a central conflict. A problem or struggle between opposing forces(Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution, Theme)

Exposition/Setting

Sets the stage for the story. Characters are introduced and the setting is described

CharacterAre the people, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in the action.Characters are defined by their traits, or more permanent qualities in their personalities

Characters are revealed by their motives, or the reasons they act the way they do

ConflictThe central problem or struggle that the main character must deal with

Rising ActionEvents in the story that create suspense and lead toward the climax of the story1. How is the conflict revealed in

the story?2. What is the conflict?3. What events develop the

conflict?4. How do the characters react to

the conflict through action and dialogue?

ClimaxHigh point or turning point of the story.

Event that changes the lives of the characters.

Falling ActionAdditional events that happen after the climax “wrapping-up” the story and leading to the resolution.

ResolutionFinal outcome of events or solution to the problem.

ThemeThe central or dominating idea or message of the story.What was the author trying to say to the reader?

What is the point of the story?

Point of ViewPerspective from which the story is told First-person: narrator is a character in

the story; uses “I”, “we”, etc. Third-person: narrator outside the

story: uses “he”, “she”, “they” Third-person limited: narrator tells

only what one character perceives Third-person omniscient: narrator can

see into the minds of all characters

ForeshadowingImportant hints that an author drops to prepare the reader for what is to come and help the reader anticipate the outcome.

SuspenseA feeling of excitement, curiosity, or expectation about what will happen.

ToneThe tone of a piece of literature is the speaker's or narrator's attitude towards the subject, rather than what the reader feels, as in mood. Mood is the general feeling or atmosphere that a piece of writing creates within the reader.

SubplotIn fiction, a subplot is a secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot.

Foil A character that shows qualities that

are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character.

The term foil, though generally being applied for a contrasting character, may also be used for any comparison that is drawn to portray a difference between two things

PurposeIs the reason an author decides to write about a specific topic. Then, once a topic is selected, the author must decide whether his purpose for writing is to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain his ideas to the reader.

ImageryIncludes the "mental pictures" that readers experience with a passage of literature. It signifies all the sensory perceptions referred to in a poem, whether by literal description, allusion, simile, or metaphor.

AntagonistThe person or force that works against the hero of the story (the protagonist).

ProtagonistThe main character in a story, often a good or heroic type.

Dynamic Character

A character that undergoes significant change, growth or development over the course of a story.

Dynamic CharacterThe change must be

discernible to the reader

The character can’t just say they are going to change

I swear I’ve

learned my lesson! I’ll never do that again!

Qualities of a Dynamic Character:

Strong Emotions Personal Crisis Gain in Understanding Turning Point

or Takes a Crucial Action Makes an Important Decision

Static Character Does not change or develop

much over the course of the story

More often a minor character

Static or Dynamic Character?

Maggie SimpsonHow old is Maggie Simpson? Why? Whatever age you think she is, you need to explain how it is possible and why you think so. Is she a static or dynamic character?

Sterotype Character

A character that's exactly the same as another character in another book written by another author. Examples: girls wear pink,

boys wear blue