The Formal Elements of Fiction
Plot
The events of the story, which work together to
convey meaning and purpose. Plot involves:
Conflict – the problem, challenge, or
situation that moves the plot. Conflict can
be external – the main character struggles
against an outside force. Alternatively, it
can be internal – the main character
fights against him/herself to resolve issues.
Complications – events that increase the
tension and deepen the conflict
Exposition – the part of the plot where
key elements of the story are introduced
Rising Action – the part of the plot where the conflict increases and intensifies
until it reaches climax
Climax – the turning point of the story
Falling Action – the part of the plot that follows the climax and details the
aftermath
Resolution – the end where the conflict, in one way or another, has reached its
conclusion
Characters and Characterization
Characters are the representations of the personalities of the story; they are most often
human. Characterization is the process through which they are portrayed. Characters and
character types include:
Protagonist – the main character of the fiction work
Antagonist – the force that works against the protagonist; it can be another
character, a force of nature, or his/her own issues
Round Character – character who is developed fully
Flat Character – character who is one-dimensional
Dynamic Character – character who changes
Static Character – character who remains the same
Setting
At its most basic level, setting is the place and time period of the story. Setting also
includes:
Social Context – the social and cultural problems that affect both the plot and/or
the writer
Mood/Atmosphere – the “vibe” or underlying feeling that a story produces
Point of View
The perspective of the narrator. Different types of view include:
First Person – the narrator is part of the story
Second Person – the narrator tells it from your point of view (very unusual)
Third Person Limited (aka Third Person Sympathetic) – the narrator is not
part of the story, but gives us the point of view of just one person
Third Person Omniscient –the narrator is not a part of the story, but knows
everyone’s thoughts and everything that happens
Third Person Objective (aka Third Person Dramatic) – the narrator is not a
part of the story, but relates the facts without any access to interior thoughts
Style and Tone
The tone of the story is the writer’s attitude towards his/her readers and subject. Style is
the way the writer expresses him or herself using language choice, sentence structure, and
diction. These work together to form the story’s perspective.
Imagery, Symbolism, and Allegory
Imagery occurs when a “sensory impression” is used to convey meaning. This is usually
a visual image, but it can target the other senses, too. Imagery that occurs multiple times
and carries more complex meaning becomes symbolism. Symbols are often derived
from social context; some symbols are universal. When everything in the story is a
symbol that parallels something outside the story, the work becomes an allegory.
Theme
The theme is the main meaning or message the author is trying to convey. Themes are
not always clear cut; much relies on the interpretation of the reader.
For Friday:
If you have The Norton Anthology, read pages 3-17.
If not, read the following three stories, which can be found online at these links:
Spencer Holst’s “The Zebra Storyteller”
http://www.archipelago.org/vol3-1/holst.htm
Elizabeth Tallent’s “No One’s a Mystery”
http://www.wiu.edu/users/mudjj4/gh101/story.htm
Guy de Maupassant’s “The Jewelry” aka “The False Gems”
http://www.online-literature.com/maupassant/212/