This document defines and provides examples of the five basic story elements: characters, setting, problem, solution, and theme. It explains that characters are the people or objects in a story, while setting refers to where and when the story takes place. The problem is the situation the characters face, and the solution is how they resolve the problem. Finally, the theme or moral is the overall idea or lesson of the story. Examples are given for each element to illustrate common types found in stories. The reader is encouraged to look for these elements when analyzing any story.

1. Story Elements
An Early Elementary
Lesson
By Frances Palmateer

2. What are story elements?
Story elements
are the important
parts of a story.
When we pay attention to the story elements it helps us
to learn all we can about a story.

3. There are five story elements
characters
setting
problem
solution
moral or theme
Images from Microsoft clipart

4. Let’s look at
each element
to learn about
it.

5. Characters
Characters are the people in the story.

6. Characters
They can also be
objects that act
like people.
Characters can
also be animals.

7. Examples of Character
• From Cinderella
Step
Cinderella sisters
Fairy The prince
godmother

8. Setting
The setting is where and when the story takes
place.

9. Where the story takes place
Cottage in the
Enchanted forest woods
jungle
farm Big City

10. When the story takes place
Long Ago
In the future
Now

11. Problem
The problem is the situation that the characters
are facing in the story.

12. Problems in Stories
Solving a mystery
fears
Being poor
Getting in trouble
facing evil

13. Solution
The solution is how the characters solve their
problem.

14. Solutions in Stories
Doing the
Going to
right
the ball
thing
Finishing the
task
Catching the Facing your
bad person fears

15. Moral or Theme
The moral or theme is the idea that the
runs through the story. It often
teaches a lesson

16. Examples of Themes and Morals
Dreams can come
true True love Hard work pays off
conquers all
Good
defeats evil
Be true to
yourself

17. Now that you know
the 5 story elements:
characters, setting,
problem, solution,
and theme, don’t
forget to look for
them when you read.
Happy reading!

18. References
• Images on slides 1,2,3,4,8,11,13,17, the prince on slide 7 and the witch on slide 12
are from Microsoft Office Clip Art © 2006 Microsoft Corporation
• Images on slides 5 and 6 courtesy of Frances Palmateer
• All other images from Print Master Platinum 18.1 by Broderbund ©2010 Encore
Software, Inc.