Setting (element)

The setting of a story is
the time and place in
which it occurs.

Elements of setting may
include the physical,
psychological, cultural, or
historical background
against which the story
takes place.
Characterization

Characterization is the creation of
imaginary persons so that they seem
lifelike. There are two fundamental
methods of characterization.
Direct Characterization

The explicit presentation by the author
of the character through direct
description, either in an introductory
block or more often piecemeal
throughout the work.
Indirect Characterization

The presentation of a character in
action, with little or no explicit comment
by the author, in the expectation that
the reader can deduce the attributes of
the character from his/her actions.
Types of Characters (element)
Static character—a character who
remains primarily the same during the
course of a story or novel
 Dynamic character—a character which
changes during the course of a story or
novel

Types of Characters

Flat character—a two-dimensional and
relatively uncomplicated character who
does not change throughout a story or
novel

Round character—a well developed
character who demonstrates varied and
sometimes contradictory traits
 Stock Character—a special kind of flat
character who is instantly recognizable
(stereotypical)
Tone
Tone is a reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s
attitude toward a subject of a poem, story, or
other literary work. Tone may be communicated
through words and details that express
particular emotions and that evoke and
emotional response from the reader.
For example, word choice or phrasing may seem
to convey respect, anger, lightheartedness, or
sarcasm.
Mood

The mood of a
story is the
atmosphere or
feeling created by
the writer and
expressed through
setting.
Conflict
Conflict is the struggle between
opposing forces in a story or play.
There are two types of conflict
that exist in literature.
Internal Conflict
Internal conflict exists within the mind of a
character who is torn between different
courses of action.
Character vs. self
External Conflict
External conflict exists when a character
struggles against some outside force, such
as another character, nature, society, or fate.
Character vs. character
Character vs. society
Character vs. Nature
Theme (element)

The theme is the central or universal idea
of a piece of fiction; it is a perception about
life and the human condition.
 An implicit theme refers to the author’s ability to
construct a piece in such a way that through
inference the reader understands the theme.
Figurative Language (technique)
Types of Characters

Protagonist—the story’s main character

Antagonist—a character in opposition of
the protagonist
Foreshadowing (technique)

Foreshadowing is the presentation of material in
a work in such a way that later events are
prepared for. The purpose of foreshadowing is to
prepare the reader or viewer for action to come.

Foreshadowing can result from




the establishment of a mood or atmosphere,
an event that hints at the later action,
the appearance of physical objects or facts, or
the revelation of a fundamental and decisive character
trait.
Symbol

An item that stands for something else.

What are these items symbols of?
 Eagle
 Dove
 Black cats
Point of View

The point of view is the perspective from
which the events in the story are told.
The author may choose to use any of
the following:
 First person
 Third-person limited
 Third-person omniscient
Point of View

First person/subjective—The narrator
restricts the perspective to that of only
one character to tell the story.
 Signal pronouns—I, we, us
Point of View

Third-person limited—The narrator
restricts his knowledge to one
character’s view or behavior.
 Signal pronouns—he, she, they
Point of View

Third-person omniscient—The narrator
tells the story in third person from an allknowing perspective. The knowledge is
not limited by any one character’s view
or behavior, as the narrator knows
everything about all characters.
 Signal pronouns—he, she, they
PLOTLINE
Climax
Resolution
Exposition
Conflict Introduced
Exposition
The Exposition is the
introduction. It is the part
of the work that introduces
the characters, setting, and
basic situation.
Rising Action
Rising Action is the part of the
plot that begins to occur as
soon as the conflict is
introduced. The rising action
adds complications to the
conflict and increases reader
interest.
Climax
The Climax is the point of
greatest emotional intensity,
interest, or suspense in the
plot of a narrative. The
climax typically comes at the
turning point in a story or
drama.
Falling Action
Falling Action is the action that
typically follows the climax and
reveals its results.
Resolution
The Resolution is the part of the
plot that concludes the falling
action by revealing or
suggesting the outcome of the
conflict.