The document outlines a task for students to write a paragraph reflecting on their favorite books, movies, or TV shows, emphasizing what makes a good story. It explains essential elements of story structure, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, as well as universal conflicts and the importance of themes. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to write theme statements and the significance of character actions, feelings, and conversations in expressing themes.

1. In your Notebooks...
In your notebook/on a sheet of notebook paper, please
write 1 paragraph (5-7 complete sentences) responding to
the following prompt:
• Focus on your favorite books, movies, TV shows, etc. Why
do you like them? What makes them appealing to you?
• Be as detailed as possible!
What makes a good story?

2. So, what makes a good story?
Action
Relatable
Characters
Plot
Conflict
Humor
Theme
Entertaining
Escape
from
reality
Inspiring
Well-written
Exciting
Structure
Setting
Style
Tone

3. Plot
• A series of events that make up a story or
drama
• Plot line includes:
– Exposition
– Rising actions
– Climax
– Falling actions
– Resolution

4. 1. Exposition
• This usually occurs at the beginning of a short
story. Here the characters are introduced. We
also learn about the setting of the story. Most
importantly, we are introduced to the main
conflict (main problem).

5. 2. Rising Action
• This part of the story begins to
develop the conflict(s). A building of
interest or suspense occurs.

6. 6 Universal Conflicts
• Man vs. Man: Character struggles with another character.
• Man vs. Nature: A character struggles with a force of nature
(natural disaster, desolation, animal, etc.) Usually, the character is
struggling to survive.
• Man vs. Society: a character or a group of characters fight against
the society in which they live. The character fights against social
traditions or rules (fight for freedom, rights, for a cause etc.)
• Man vs. Technology : Computers, machines, robots, etc.
• Man vs. Self: An internal conflict is between a character and
his/her self. The character’s struggle takes place in his/her own
mind. Usually has something to do with a choice (choosing
between right and wrong), or it may have to do with overcoming
emotions or mixed feelings.

7. Why is CONFLICT important?
• Without conflict, there is no plot!
• The plot mountain is created around the
conflict…
• Introduced in rising action…
• Is faced head-on during climax…
• Begins to work itself out during falling
action…
• Is resolved during resolution.

8. 3. Climax
• This is the turning point of the story. Usually the
main character comes face to face with a conflict.
The main character will change in some way.

9. 4. Falling Action
• All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The
conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

10. 5. Resolution
• The story comes
to a reasonable
ending.

11. Can you label the Plot Line?
expositio
n
rising
action
climax
falling
action
resolutio
n
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

12. • The central idea or message of a text
– View about life and how people behave
– Broad idea/message about life, society, or
human nature
• Usually implied (not explicitly stated)
• Explores timeless and universal ideas
• Differs from the subject or topic of a literary work in
that it is a statement
• Subject = topic
• Theme = statement/opinion about that topic
What is Theme?

13. • The theme of a work of literature is always a statement
• What statement does the author seem to be making about
people, society, government, life, etc.?
• Never expressed in a single word
• Does not use “you”
• Never a question
“Is love the most important thing in life?”
^ NOT A THEME ^
“Love is the most important thing in life.”
^ A THEME! ^
Theme Statements

14. Example: to find a theme statement for Romeo
and Juliet, take a topic present throughout the play make
it into a statement.
•Topic: Conflict
What is Shakespeare trying to say about that topic?
•Theme statement: Long term unresolved conflict between
families leads to disaster.
Writing a Theme Statement

15. • You should resolve all conflicts.
• Great sacrifices are made in the name of love.
• Romeo killed Tybalt in revenge for Mercutio’s
death.
• Poor decisions are often made impulsively.
• Blind loyalty causes foolish behavior.
Theme Statement? Yes or No

16. • Theme statement involves an abstract idea and a
comment or observation about that idea that
addresses human motivation, condition, behavior,
ambition, etc.
• Theme statements:
– DO NOT include specific references to the plot or characters
– DO NOT moralize (do not say what we “should” do)
– DO NOT use absolute words (i.e. anyone, all, none, everything,
must, should, and always)
Remember:

17. 1. Actions or events
2. Characters’ feelings
3. What the character(s) learn
4. Thoughts and conversation
An author expresses
Theme through…

18. • Ideas and feelings are
naturally expressed
through actions
• What does an action
"say“?
• How does the action
express an idea or
theme?
1. Characters’ actions

19. • Emotions can be stated or
implied
– How does the character
feel?
– How does the character
make us feel?
• What ideas do these
feelings or emotions
reflect?
2. Characters’ Feelings

20. • Main character usually
illustrates the most
important theme of the
story
• What does the main
character learn in the
course of the story?
• What new knowledge or
insight is gained?
3. What the character learns

21. • Authors put words in their
character’s mouths only
for good reasons.
• The things a person says
are frequently on their
mind.
• Look for thoughts that
are repeated throughout
the story.
4. Thoughts and Conversation

22. Example: Romeo and Juliet
• Theme Statement: Long term unresolved conflict
between families leads to disaster.
• Proof:
 The street fight between in the first scene causes a riot and
destruction of property.
 The fight between Mercutio and Tybalt leads to their deaths.
 Romeo’s banishment for killing Tybalt leads to two suicides,
a murder and heart attack.
Proving the Theme Statement
• Here is where plot comes in
o What examples from the story prove the theme statement?
o Use specific references and quotes from the text that prove
your statement is true.