The document outlines the basic elements of a story, including setting, imagery, plot, narrator point of view, characterization of characters, conflict, theme, symbolism, and figurative language devices. It defines these elements and provides examples, such as how setting establishes the place and time of a story, plot follows a series of events, and characterization develops characters through their words, thoughts, appearance, and what others think of them. Figurative language like similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole are also discussed as ways authors create vivid descriptions.

1. The Basic Elements of a Story Ms. Martin/Mr. Doran/Mrs.Sepp Mastery English 8

2. Setting Setting is the place and time in which the story takes place. There may be multiple settings in a story, especially in novels. 18th Century London Theater

3. Imagery Consists of words and phrases that appeal to readers’ senses. Writers use sensory details to help readers imagine how things look, feel, smell, sound, and taste. “ With wonder, she ran her fingers over the beautiful marble horses that stood along the edge of the pool and gazed down at the water with opaque eyes” (Hosseini 28).

4. Plot The series of events that make up a story.

5. The Parts of a Plot-Freytag’s Pyramid Exposition- This is the opening of a story where the setting, main characters and the conflict is introduced. Rising action- This is the part of the story where the character(s) struggles with a problem. Climax - This is the height of the action where the conflict is resolved. Resolution - This is where the loose ends of the story are tied up. Climax Exposition Resolution Rising Action Falling action

6. Narrator-the teller of the story ▪ Point of View: the perspective from which the story is told • First-person - the narrator is a character in the story and uses first-person pronouns, such as I , me, we, and us. • Third-person - the narrator is not a character; he or she uses third-person pronouns, such as he, she, it, they, them.

7. Characterization • Characterization : Characterization includes all the techniques writers use to create and develop characters. There are four basic methods of developing a character. 1. Presenting the character’s words and actions 2. Presenting the character’s thoughts 3. Describing the character’s appearance 4. Showing what others think about the character

8. Static/Dynamic Characters • Static characters [flat]: characters who change little, if at all, throughout the literary work. • Dynamic characters [round] : characters who change significantly throughout the work.

9. Conflict Conflict: is the struggle between two opposing forces Internal Conflict- Man vs. self External conflict - Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. society

10. Theme A theme is a message, moral or idea that the author wants to impart to the audience through the story. Themes can be complex or they can be as simple as the story of “The Tortoise and the Hare” theme, slow and steady winds the race.

11. Symbolism Symbol: A symbol is a person, a place, an object, or an action that stands for something beyond itself. For example, the bald eagle is a symbol of the United States.

12. Finally, Figurative Language : Authors use figurative language to create fresh and original descriptions. Figurative expressions, while not literally true, help readers picture ordinary things in new ways. Simile : comparison between two unlike things using like or as Metaphor- This is a stated or implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of “to be.” The comparison is not always announced by “like or as.” Example: “Juliet is the sun.”

13. Figurative Language Personification -A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea. It is a comparison which the author uses to show something in an entirely new light, to communicate a certain feeling or attitude towards it and to control the way a reader perceives it. Example: The moon winked. The trees waved to us. The rock told a story. Hyperbole An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point. Example: She told me a million times.