The Elements of Fiction:

1
The Elements of Fiction A General
Introduction
2
Character

• A textual representation of a human being (or
  creature)
• How do we get to know a character?
• Through

Dialogue
Actions
Thoughts
Narration
3
Example

• Finding Nemo

Why are we so interested in the characters and
their problems if they are only aquatic animals
and computer graphics?
4
Plot

• The series of events that give a story its
  meaning and effect
• An event is comprised of a conflict and a
  resolution

5
Example

• Disneys Cinderella

Whats the first conflict?
Cinderellas father dies.
Whats the resolution?
Her step mother becomes her guardian
Whats the second conflict?
Her step mother and step sisters are mean.
Whats the resolution?
She befriends mice.
6
Disneys Cinderella (Contd)
Whats the third conflict?
Cinderella wants to go to the ball.
Whats the resolution?
Her step mother says that she is allowed to go if
she finishes her chores and has a suitable dress.
Whats the fourth conflict?
Her step sisters ruin her dress, so she cant go
to the ball.
Whats the resolution?
Her fairy godmother saves the day.
7
Setting

• A storys time and place
• Example
• Foxs The O.C.
• When and where does it take place?

8
Theme

• The meaning or concept we are left with after
  reading a story
• How can you figure out a storys theme?
• Ask yourself, What is the author suggesting is
  true about human nature and/or life?

9
Example

• What are some of the themes of The Pirates of the
  Caribbean?

Good will always triumph over evil.
Dont judge a person before you get to know him
or her.
Love motivates some people to take risks.
10
Point of View

• Refers to the source of the narrative voice (or
  person telling the story)
• It answers the question, Who is telling the
  story?
• Example The Real World

11
Style

• Refers to the manner in which an author tells his
  or her story
• Examples
• Romeo and Juliet v. The House on
  Mango Street
• (Elaborate Language) (Simple
  Language)

12
Literary Devices

• Devices that writers have used throughout the
  timeline of literary history.
• Include
• Symbols and Imagery
• Figurative Language Metaphors, Similes, and
  Personification

13
ALL DONE
You So Crazy!