1. Elements of Fiction
Character (who)
Plot (what)
Setting (when, where)
Theme (why)
Style (how)

2. Character: types
Characterization is one of the most important elements of
fiction. The reader must be able to connect with the characters.
Round: complex, developed character that changes
Flat: simple, often stereotyped character
Protagonist: the main character
Antagonist: character or force in conflict with the protagonist

3. Character : Point of View
1st person point of view:
Uses “I”
limited to the thoughts and perspective of one person
2nd person point of view:
Uses “you” and speaks directly to the reader
Rarely used
3rd person point of view: uses “he”, “she”
3rd person limited – delivers the thoughts of just one (or very few)
characters
3rd person omniscient – all knowing, can deliver thoughts and
feelings of any and all characters
3rd person objective – the narrator provides details as an outisde
observer, no thoughts or feelings from characters.

4. Plot: the events of a story
The plot is about cause and effect more than just events that happen.
Exposition: facts provided to establish the setting, tone
Foreshadowing: clues to what will happen later in the story
Rising Action: events or moments of conflict that lead to the climax
Conflict:
External ( man vs. man man vs. nature man vs. society)
Internal (man vs. self )
Climax: The peak of the story, where the conflict is addressed
Falling Action: the events that happen after the conflict to
come to a resolution

5. Setting: time and place
Setting can be a character or conflict issue (think The Perfect
Storm, Into the Wild, Castaway)
Can establish the social context.
A big contributor to the overall mood of a piece.

6. Theme: the meaning, message, or concept
Steps sometimes used to present theme:
The author uses images
imagery: sensory descriptions that create meaning
When those images repeat they become symbols
symbols: repeated images that carry meaning
symbols can be universal (water=cleansing) or specific to the
story or a culture
Symbols combined with characters create allegory and/or theme:
allegory: symbols, characters, and events create a literal and
metaphorical meaning
theme: the overall meaning, message or concept

7. Style: the language choices of the writer
Elements of style include:
point of view diction
narration grammar
spelling punctuation
language rhythm
sentence structure imagery
Style is synonomous with voice.
Style and voice create the TONE.
The tone is the attitude the story creates towards its subject matter.