Characters
This is the person, animal, or creature who takes part in the events of a story.
Character
This story element tells where and when a story takes place.
Setting
This story element is the sequence of events that happens from the beginning to the end of a story.
Plot
This story element is the problem or struggle that a character faces.
Conflict
This story element is the message or lesson the author wants readers to understand.
Theme
This character is usually the main person the story is about and faces the main conflict.
Protagonist
A story takes place on a crowded beach in Florida during summer vacation.
What is the setting?
Summer, Florida, vacation
This is the part of the plot where the characters, setting, and main situation are introduced.
Exposition
Avery wants to play outside, but her mom tells her to stay inside because it is raining.
What type of conflict is this?
Character vs character
There is a story about a boy who keeps practicing the piano, even when it is difficult.
What is the theme?
hard work
perseverance
never give up
This type of character opposes or creates problems for the protagonist.
Antagonist
Derek went to the mall on Saturday afternoon to buy a new pair of sneakers. He walked through the busy stores and stopped at the food court for lunch.
Where is the setting? When is the setting?
Saturday, afternoon, mall, food court, lunch time
This is the most exciting or important turning point in a story, when the conflict reaches its highest point.
Climax
Marcus is nervous about giving a speech, but he knows he has to overcome his fear.
What type of conflict is this?
Character vs self
Mia helps a new student make friends at school.
What theme could this story communicate?
Kindness
making a difference
being a good friend
welcoming
Avery was walking through the garden when she noticed a bright yellow flower. As she leaned closer to smell it, a bee flew near her hand. Avery quickly moved away, but the bee stung her finger. Avery ran inside to tell her mom what happened.
Who are the characters?
Avery, bee, mom
Jordan walked into the crowded amusement park on a hot summer afternoon. The sound of roller coasters and excited visitors filled the air.
Where and when is the setting of this story?
Amusement park
summer
afternoon
The events that build up and make the story’s problem more complicated are called this.
rising action
A hiker gets caught in a dangerous snowstorm and must find shelter before the temperature drops.
What type of conflict is this?
Character vs nature
A character lies to her friends to avoid getting in trouble, but eventually tells the truth and earns back their trust.
What is a possible theme?
honesty is important, even when telling the truth is difficult
What 2 words describes a character’s personality, such as kind, brave, selfish, or honest.
Hint: Character __________
Character Trait
Lena stepped outside her grandmother’s cabin and noticed frost covering the windows, snow piled along the path, and smoke rising from nearby chimneys. She pulled her coat tighter as the sun began to set.
What can you infer about when this story takes place?
Evening, sunset, winter, December
Put these plot elements in the correct order:
climax, exposition, resolution, rising action, falling action.
exposition → rising action → climax → falling action → resolution
A student discovers that a powerful company is polluting the river in her town. She decides to speak up and fight to protect her community.
What type of conflict is this?
Character vs society
Two students argue over a group project. Instead of blaming each other, they listen to one another and work together to finish it.
What theme is best supported by the story?
communication
team work