The Elements of Fiction

Plot

1

The beginning of the story where the reader is "exposed" to the characters, setting, and background information.

Exposition/Introduction

2

The main character makes an important decision or is faced with circumstances that will impact their future.

Rising Action/Crisis

3

The final outcome or concluding events in the story.

Resolution.

4

The events begin to resolve themselves. Takes place between the climax and resolution.

Falling Action

5

The highest point of interest & turning point in the story. The most EMOTIONAL moment.

Climax

Character

1

Protagonist

The MAIN character in the story who must overcome an obstacle of some kind.

2

Antagonist

The character in OPPOSITION to the protagonist. (Often -- not always -- evil.)

3

Static Character

A character who DOES NOT change during a story.

4

Dynamic Character

A character who goes through a major change during a story.

5

Stock Character

A stereotype character who appears in various stories.

Conflict

1

Character vs. Character

The main character struggles with their physical strength against other people, forces of nature, or animals.

2

Character vs. Circumstance

The main character struggles against fate, or the circumstances of life facing them.

3

Character vs. Society

The main character struggles against ideas, practices, or customs of other people.

4

Character vs. Self

The main character struggles with their own soul, ideas of right or wrong, physical limitations, choices, etc.

5

Character vs. Nature

The main character struggles with their environment or the natural world.

Setting

1

Place (examples)

Geographical location - Where is the action of the story taking place?

2

Time (examples)

When is the story taking place? (Historical period, time of day, year, etc.)

3

Weather conditions (examples)

Is it rainy, sunny, windy, etc?

4

Social conditions (examples)

What is the daily life of the characters like?

5

Mood or atmosphere (examples)

What feeling is created at the beginning of the story? Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?

Point of View

1

Narrator

The voice from which a story is told

2

Types of point of view/perspectives

First person, second person, third person

3

First person

The story is told by the protagonist or one of the characters who interacts closely with the protagonist or other characters (using pronouns "I," "me," "we," etc). The reader sees the story through this person's eyes as they experience it and only knows what they know or feel.

4

Third person

The story is told from the perspective of a narrator who may or may not be a character in the story.

5

Second person

The story is told from the perspective of "you," the reader. Very rare.