This document provides an overview of key literary elements and terminology used in analyzing stories, novels, films and plays. It discusses the seven main types of conflict, three categories of characters, six ways of analyzing characters, six common plot structures, six types of endings, and various plot devices. It also covers setting, theme, point of view, and different genres of stories. The document serves as a reference for understanding the fundamental components of narrative works of fiction.
First person, third person, omniscient. What are they? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Why should you think like the director of a film when considering point of view?
First person, third person, omniscient. What are they? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Why should you think like the director of a film when considering point of view?
What are the elements of narrative structure? Where should your novel begin? What is the resolution? What are the narrative questions you should ask yourself before writing the book? Do you need to outline? This and more!
This presentation lists and defines elements of a story including plot, theme, and setting. Students will also be prompted to complete a formative assessment during the course of the slideshow.
Short Cuts: From writing your first research assumptions to transforming this into your thesis statements, and on into a one-sentence research proposal
What are the elements of narrative structure? Where should your novel begin? What is the resolution? What are the narrative questions you should ask yourself before writing the book? Do you need to outline? This and more!
This presentation lists and defines elements of a story including plot, theme, and setting. Students will also be prompted to complete a formative assessment during the course of the slideshow.
Short Cuts: From writing your first research assumptions to transforming this into your thesis statements, and on into a one-sentence research proposal
Reaction Paper # 2—After reading this week’s notes Reading Fi.docxaudeleypearl
Reaction Paper # 2—After reading this week’s notes “Reading Fiction” and “Graduation” by Maya
Angelou, complete reaction paper 2 as described below.
Discussed in the notes this week are 6 elements of fiction: Tone, Plot, Characterization, Setting, Theme
and Point of View. Choose one element (other than POV) and reflect on how Angelou uses it in her
writing. Give specific examples and quotes from the text to show how she uses the element and its
effect on the story. Be sure to quote correctly (using quotation marks and providing paragraph #s).
Remember that reaction papers should be 1-2 pages, double-spaced.
Below is a brief sample of how to discuss one of the elements with examples from the text. The example
discusses the use of point of view in the story:
Maya Angelou’s story “Graduation,” is told from first-person point of view, told through the
main character, Marguerite Johnson. Although it is not yet clear who the narrator is within the first 5
paragraphs, in paragraph 6 Angelou writes, “In the Store I was the person of the moment.” Thus, we are
introduced to the narrator of the story. The rest of the story uses pronouns such as we, me, my which
solidifies the narrator’s point of view.
Hearing the story unfold from first-person POV gives credibility to the theme of the story.
Maguerite Johnson is one of the graduates excited to be graduating, and is present at every point of the
story—from the events leading up to the day, the events during the ceremony, and her feelings about
what has occurred.
In paragraph 7, she tells us, “My class was wearing buttery-yellow piqué dresses, and Momma
launched out mine.” She goes on to describe the expert way her mother crafted her dress. It is clear
from all of her descriptions that she, her family and the community looked toward the day with great
anticipation, even though as the narrator states, “I was only twelve years old and merely graduating
from the eighth grade” (paragraph 8). She goes on to explain that many teachers in the Arkansas Negro
schools had the same diploma but were able to teach. This shows that at the time, an eighth-grade
graduation was quite an achievement which could lead to possible (anticipated) professions…
(continued)
Reading Fiction
Fiction creates imaginary worlds by telling stories written in prose (ordinary, unrhymed
language) about realistic characters, set in physical environments, and with attention to
descriptive detail.
Works of fiction narrate, or tell stories. Narrative is not specific to fiction or to any other
literary genre. Telling stories pervades almost every aspect of our daily lives. We learn
very early on how to recognize and tell stories, and we rely heavily on narrative to
organize and make sense of our experience. Even in our sleep, we tell stories in the
form of dreams. It is impossible to imagine our lives without these narratives; in fact,
every culture uses them to order a ...
5 Important Elements of a Short Story
The 5 key elements that make up a short story are:
Characters
Setting
Conflict
Theme
Plot
Character
A character is a person, or sometimes an animal, who takes part in the action of a short story or other literary work.
Characters and how we get to know them:
Through the author’s physical description of them
Through their actions
Through their words (dialogue)
Through their inner thoughts
Through what other characters say and think about them
Setting
Setting is the time and place that a story occurs.
Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.
Theme
Theme is the meaning behind events and characters’ actions in a story.
The theme is the central idea, message, or purpose in a short story.
A theme can be expressed as a general statement about people or life.
It is NOT plot summary.
It can be either directly or indirectly stated by the author. Most likely indirectly.
Conflict
Conflict is any of the problems that a character encounters in a story.
The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a short story.
The main character is on one side of the main conflict.
Conflicts can be:
1. External – conflict with others and with nature
2. Internal – conflict within themselves
The main character may struggle:
against another important character
against the forces of nature
against society
against something inside himself or herself (feelings, emotions, illness).
Plot
Plot is a pattern of events that develop from the interactions between characters.
A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.
There are 5 elements of plot:
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Conclusion
The Indian economy is classified into different sectors to simplify the analysis and understanding of economic activities. For Class 10, it's essential to grasp the sectors of the Indian economy, understand their characteristics, and recognize their importance. This guide will provide detailed notes on the Sectors of the Indian Economy Class 10, using specific long-tail keywords to enhance comprehension.
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Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
We all have good and bad thoughts from time to time and situation to situation. We are bombarded daily with spiraling thoughts(both negative and positive) creating all-consuming feel , making us difficult to manage with associated suffering. Good thoughts are like our Mob Signal (Positive thought) amidst noise(negative thought) in the atmosphere. Negative thoughts like noise outweigh positive thoughts. These thoughts often create unwanted confusion, trouble, stress and frustration in our mind as well as chaos in our physical world. Negative thoughts are also known as “distorted thinking”.
TESDA TM1 REVIEWER FOR NATIONAL ASSESSMENT WRITTEN AND ORAL QUESTIONS WITH A...
Introduction to Narratives (Stories): A Guide
1. Terminology: Stories, Novels, Films, Plays, Drama
Stories contain
1. Conflict (7 types in 2 Categories)
2. Characters (3 types) and Character Analysis (6 types)
3. Plots (6 types), Endings (6 types) and Plot Devices (5 types)
4. Setting (2 types)
5. Theme (Some Types)
6. Point of view (3 Types)
7. Plot Devices (5 Types)
1. TYPES OF CONFLICT in Stories
Conflict drives the plot forward. Without conflict, there is no plot.
There are seven types of conflict:
1. Character VS Self
2. Character VS Fate, chance, coincidence, or luck
3. Character VS Character
4. Character VS Organization or society
5. Character VS Nature or the environment
6. Character VS the Supernatural
7. Character VS Technology, tool or machine
See homework with quiz credits here.
These seven types of conflict can be grouped in two categories:
Internal Conflict: The conflict is inside a character as an internal struggle. Usually characters,
like real people, have conflicting fears and goals that cause them to behave in certain ways.
External Conflict: The conflict is outside a character. External conflict is the opposite of internal
conflict, in that the conflict is obvious to all the other characters in the story, as well as the reader.
External conflict is the adversities, challenges, difficulties, or opposition faced by the character.
2. TYPES OF CHARACTERS in Stories
A character is usually a person in a story, but it can also be an animal or other elements such as modified
realities (talking rabbits or dancing brooms) or imaginary beings. There are three categories: protagonist,
antagonist, and supporting characters.
Protagonist: The main character in the story. The protagonist is usually, but not always, a ―good
guy.‖ Types of protagonists: hero, antihero, caricature
2. Antagonist: This character is the force against the protagonist. The antagonist is usually another
character, but not always, especially if the conflict is ―person against self.‖ The antagonist is usually
described as ―the bad guy‖, although that description doesn’t work if the conflict is person against self
or person against environment. Types of antagonists: main antagonist, nemesis, shape-shifter, change
agent, romantic angle
Supporting Characters: sidekick, mentor, foil, comic relief, extras or background characters, chorus
(See homework with quiz credits here)
3. CHARACTER ANALYSIS
1. Flat: This is a minor character with one or maybe two sides to the personality. These characters might
not seem very realistic or life-like because so little is known about them.
2. Round: These characters are believable and complex people with several sides to their personality.
They are lifelike and behave like real people would, if real people were in those same situations.
3. Dynamic: Also known as a kinetic character, a dynamic character changes in some important way
because of plot events. For example: a cruel old man might see the error of his ways and become
generous and kind, or a gentle girl becomes vicious and angry because her parents divorce.
4. Static: These characters are the opposite of dynamic characters. These people don’t change through
the course of a story. They have the same personality throughout.
5. Stereotypical: Also known as stock, these characters are people who are easily recognized as ―types‖.
It wouldn’t matter in which story they appear, they are always the same. For example, the old witch-
like woman, the geeky scientist, the airhead, and the dumb jock characters are all stereotypical, or
stock, characters. In this sense, they are also clichés . (A cliché is an over-used expression, like ―light
as a feather,‖ or an over-used idea, like the stereotypical characters just discussed.)
6. Character Foil: A character foil, or simply ―foil‖, occurs when two characters balance each other in
some way; they are almost like two halves of a whole person. This is when a character is portrayed as
opposite of another character in a particular way. By putting the two characters next to each other, the
different characteristic is emphasized. This helps readers recognize particular characteristics. A good
person might be a foil for an evil person, for example.
4. How characters are created
An author may choose any of these six ways to reveal a character to the reader. The reader must therefore be
prepared to watch for "clues" about each character in these six ways:
1. Physical appearance
2. Things the character says
3. Things the character does (actions)
4. Things the character thinks
5. Things other characters say about the character
6. Author information
Character Sketch: A character sketch is a description of a character's moral and personality qualities, written
in paragraph form with specific examples from the story in question. Usually, the character terms (see above)
are used in the course of the description. Physical appearance and dress (if showing something about
personality) are sometimes described as well.
3. 5. PLOT (also called storyline or plotline)
A. Plot: The events of the story or the series of actions that make up the story are referred to as the plot.
Basically, the plot is what happens in the story. Usually, there are six parts.
1. Introduction: The elements that will be involved in the conflict - The reader meets the
characters and discovers the setting. Reader interest is aroused here. The conflict that drives the
story’s action is discovered at the end of the introduction, with the initiating incident.
2. Rising action: The complications that create conflict - Builds up the story (the longest part) — a
series of steps that lead to the climax. The readers find more information about conflict and
character here.
3. Turning Point: Something happens that begins a kind of change in the main characters
4. Climax: The resolution of conflict - Here, the reader finds out what happens to the conflict, or
how the conflict might be resolved. The story may not yet be finished, but the reader now has a
good understanding of what way it is going to go.
5. Falling Action: The plot begins to wrap up in this section of the story, which is usually brief.
6. Denouement/Conclusion/Resolution: This part follows quickly after the climax and provides the
last pieces of information for the reader. ―Denouement‖ is French for ―unknotting‖; you may
therefore think of denouement as the ―unknotting‖ or ―untangling‖ of the plot. Other words for
denouement are conclusion or resolution (think about it as the resolution of the climax). However,
not all conclusions provide resolution (See Types of Story Endings).
B. Plot Diagram: Also known as Freytag’s Pyramid, the story diagram or plot diagram, was invented in
1864 by Gustav Freytag to visually represent the five plot parts and their relationship with one another.
Some stories may not exactly fit this pyramid.
See homework with quiz credits here.
4. 6. Types of STORY ENDINGS
1. Comedy: All loose ends are tied up and explained. The ending is positive for the protagonist.
2. Tragedy: All loose ends are tied up and explained. The ending is negative for the protagonist.
3. Tragicomedy: In the end, the protagonist(s) have a positive and a negative ending.
4. Surprise or Twist: In the end, something happens that the reader does not expect at all.
5. Unresolved / Indeterminate / Cliffhanger: The reader is left with questions and has to, in part,
supply the ending him or herself.
6. Anti-Climax: A dull or disappointing ending to something after increasing excitement. For
example: After the weeks of preparation, the concert itself was a bit of an anticlimax. In connection
to a story or novel, it means an ending that doesn’t measure up to the plot events that precede it (the
ending is anti-climactic).
7. PLOT DEVICES Used in Stories
A. CHRONOLOGICAL EFFECTS
1. Flashback: When a character thinks back to an event that occurred before the story began. Sometimes
flashbacks are written as separate ―interrupter‖ sections within a novel. Flashbacks are also used in
short stories.
2. In Medias Res: A story that begins in the middle of the action. A sample beginning to such a story: ―I
saw the punch coming but couldn't duck in time. I collapsed to the floor, nose gushing red, clotted
blood.‖
3. Foreshadowing: A hint of events to come. Also used extensively in both novels and short stories.
4. Chronological Order: Writers often choose to describe plot events in chronological order, meaning
the events happen one after another and are not told in a mixed-up way. With a chronological
approach, first things first, second things second, and so on…
B. EMOTIONAL EFFECTS
5. Suspense: Anxiety or apprehension resulting from an uncertain, undecided, or mysterious situation.
Suspense is when the writer creates excited anticipation of an approaching climax in the reader.
6. Satire: A style of writing that has the goal of mocking or scorning an individual, an institution, or
society as a whole. Angry and bitter satire is called juvenalian satire while gentle mockery is called
horatian satire.
7. Farce: A style of writing that is designed to make people laugh by using exaggeration, toilet humor,
stereotypes, etc. See the definition of farce
8. Sarcasm: When a character (or person) uses verbal irony to express bitter or angry feelings about
something. The reverse of what is meant is said. For example, a person might say, ―That’s an act of
genius!‖ when he really means it is the act of a fool.
5. 9. Antithesis: The use of contrast, or opposition, for effect. In creative writing, antithesis is a rhetorical
device where a sentence or two contains a balanced contrast of ideas, so either the two halves of a
single sentence, or the two sentences placed side-by-side, show complete contrast for powerful effect.
For example, ―Give me liberty ,or give me death!‖
10. Irony: There are three different kinds of irony.
Verbal irony occurs when the opposite of what is said is actually meant (sarcasm is an extreme
form of verbal irony).
Situational irony occurs when an event occurs that is the opposite of what was expected by the
character and/or reader.
Dramatic irony is when a character says something, but the audience/reader knows more than the
character does about other characters or events, so the statement comes across with a double
meaning that the audience/reader ―gets‖ and the character doesn’t.
Symbol: A symbol has two levels of meaning: a literal level and a figurative level. Objects, characters,
events and settings can all be symbolic in that they represent something else beyond themselves. E.g.
the dove is literally a bird, but it has become a universal symbol of peace. The collection of symbols in
a novel or short story is called symbolism.
C. LOGICAL EFFECTS
11. Paradox: A statement, person, or situation that seems to be contradictory or opposed to common
sense; it is an unusual pairing of non-matching (incongruous) ideas. Authors use paradox to provoke
insight, so while a paradoxical statement appears to contradict itself, it often, on closer examination,
reveals a truth. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, for example, Juliet paradoxically refers to Rome as
her ―only love, sprung from [her] only hate.‖ ―The child is the father of the man‖ (William
Wordsworth) is also a paradoxical statement.
12. Deus ex Machina: From the Latin "god out of the machine." This device refers to any artificial
device that is not a natural extension of the plot that allows for an easy–and unbelievable—resolution
of conflict. Deus ex machina is an improbable plot event.
13. Direct Presentation: Writers who provide information directly to their readers are using direct
presentation. Readers can locate specific information about a character, for example, by finding it right
in the text.
14. Indirect Presentation: Writers often choose indirect presentation in order to inform their readers
about their characters or other story elements. Indirect presentation of information requires readers to
use their inference skills, as the specific information is shown rather than told to the reader.
15. Narration: Something that is narrated—an account, a story, a novel–is a narration. Actually telling the
story via the process of narrating is also narration, so ―narration‖ is a verb as well as a noun.
Narrator: The teller of the story or the person speaking in the story.
8. SETTINGS of Stories
An author may choose to state the setting clearly or leave it to the reader to infer from textual clues (such
as weather).
There are two parts to a complete setting: emotional and physical.
6. 1. The mood (or atmosphere) of a story is the emotional setting, so readers need to concentrate on words
that evoke feeling and emotion.
2. The time, place, and season comprise the physical setting, so readers need to concentrate on words
that describe physical details.
9. THEMES in Stories
Theme: The message of the story, stated in one or two complete sentences. When a person describes a
story’s theme, the person is describing what can be learned about life and/or people from the story. Theme
is so important that it is often described as the fourth element of storytelling.
See List of Themes: topics are in red font. Note: Sometimes theme is confused with the topic, or with the
moral lesson of the story. Watch this short video.
10.Types of POINTS OF VIEW in Stories
Point of View: The writer selects the point of view from which to tell the story
First Person: ―I‖ is the central character and tells his or her own story. Example: ―It was my first
day at school, and my heart was full of fears.‖
Second Person: The story is told about ―you‖; for example, ―You could see the anger in her eyes.‖
Third Person where the point of view can be one of:
o Omniscient: Characters are referred to as ―he‖ and ―she‖, and the reader knows what is going
on in their heads. All characters’ thoughts are made clear in the text. Example: ―Dan was not
happy about his situation. He did not plan to kill the old horse, but his mistake is now his hell.‖
o Objective: The story is about ―he‖ or ―she‖, and the author records action objectively, as a
movie camera would. The reader does not see any of the character’s thoughts (doesn’t get
inside their heads). Example: ―He dropped the knife. Her fingers touched his skin, but he did
not look at her.‖
o Limited Omniscient: Characters are referred to as ―he‖ and ―she‖, and the reader knows what
is going on in some of their heads. The remaining characters are treated in the objective
fashion.
11. GENRES of Stories
Style categories (sub-genres) The different sub-genres include mystery, science fiction, fantasy,
romance, history, and contemporary, to name a few.
See a list from Wikipedia.
See this slideshow about different genres of literature
See this worksheet/exercise about classifying stories into genres
See this slideshow about Types of Genres