ELEMENTS OF
LITERATURE
Plot is the pattern of events in a story. Plot development usually
consists of these elements:
1.Exposition
2. conflict (rising action)
3. Climax
4. falling action
5. resolution.
3
4
2
1
5
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
Beginning of
Story
Middle of Story
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
End of Story
The Protagonist is the main
character, the hero. (The good
guy)
Look at the ROOT
‘Pro’ means for
The protagonist is generally who the
audience roots for
Example…
Harry Potter, Ron Weasly and
Hermione Granger are the
MAIN CHARACTERS in the story Harry
Potter.
These characters are all important to the
plot of the story
The story could not be told with out these
characters.
The setting tells the reader where
and when a story takes place.
What is
the time
period?
Era
(ex: Great Depression)
Time Period
What time
Of day
is it?
Morning
Afternoon
Night
What is the
Weather
like?
Hot
Rainy
Cold
Where
is the
Location?
City
Neighborhood
State
Region
The Setting
The Setting
Effects
Effects
The beliefs and
actions of characters
Feeling or Mood
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs Society
Man vs Self
occurs when one person
struggles against another
person.
occurs when a person struggles against
the forces of nature (ex: storm, disease,
starvation, wild animals)
occurs when a character struggles
against the rules, laws, or customs
that surround him (ex: a victim of
racism, a social outcast, or criminal.
occurs when a character struggles
with his own fears, ignorance, or
conscience.
Man vs. Nature
What is Theme?
Theme is the central message, concern, or purpose of a
story. It is the lesson of the story. A theme can usually be
expressed as a general statement about human beings or
about life.
2 Types
General Themes
The “big ideas” in a piece of
literature.
Example: love, friendship, or good vs.
evil.
Specific Themes
The message the author is trying to
communicate to the reader.
Example: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Example: Love conquers all.
Example: Money can’t buy happiness.
Example: Tale Tell Heart
http://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=t8So5ZyFtWU