The 8 Elements of Fiction:
A General Introduction
English Unit
Character
A textual representation of a human being
(or creature)
How do we get to know a character?
Through…
Dialogue
Actions
Thoughts
Narration
Example
Finding Nemo
Why are we so interested in the
characters and their problems if they are
only aquatic animals and computer
graphics?
Plot
The series of events that give a story
its meaning and effect
An event is comprised of a conflict and
a resolution
Foreshadowing (hints of what is to
come) often reveals plot
Example
Disney’s Cinderella
What’s the first conflict?
Cinderella’s father dies.
What’s the resolution?
Her step mother becomes her guardian
What’s the second conflict?
Her step mother and step sisters are
mean.
What’s the resolution?
She befriends mice.
Disney’s Cinderella
(Cont’d)
What’s the third conflict?
Cinderella wants to go to the ball.
What’s the resolution?
Her step mother says that she is
allowed to go if she finishes her chores
and has a suitable dress.
What’s the fourth conflict?
Her step sisters ruin her dress, so she can’t go to the
ball.
What’s the resolution?
Her fairy godmother saves the day.
Setting
A story’s time and place
Examples: Hoodwinked, Robin Hood,
Bride and Prejudice, E.T., Cops, Lord of
the Rings
When and where does it take place?
Theme
The meaning or concept we are left with after
reading a story
How can you figure out a story’s theme?
Ask yourself, “What is the author suggesting
is true about human nature and/or life?”
Look for: repeated opinions, feelings of the
main character, conversations revealing
thoughts
Example
What are some of the themes of The
Pirates of the Caribbean?
Good will always triumph over
evil.
Don’t judge a person before you
get to know him or her.
Love motivates some people to
take risks.
Point of View
Refers to the source of the narrative
voice (or person telling the story):
1st person (omniscient), 2nd person, 3rd person
It answers the question, “Who is telling
the story?”
Example: Life is Beautiful
The Red Balloon
Style
Refers to the manner in which an author
tells his or her story
Examples:
Romeo and Juliet
v.
(Elaborate Language)
The Girl Next Door
(Simple Language)
Literary Devices
Devices that writers have used throughout
the timeline of literary history.
Include…
o Symbols and Imagery (use 5 senses!)
o Figurative Language: Metaphors, Similes,
and Personification
TONE vs. MOOD
· TONE – The attitude a writer has towards the
subject they’re writing about.
· Sarcasm? Humor? Anger? Sorrow? Fear?
· MOOD – Atmosphere created by the setting, and
actions of characters/people in it. It can also refer
to how readers emotionally respond to the
storyline.
ALL DONE
And they lived
happily
ever after…
THE END