Elements of Elements of FictionFiction

Learning about storiesLearning about stories

Why do we read Why do we read fiction?fiction?

For enjoymentFor enjoyment To help us make connections to our worldTo help us make connections to our world

The Elements of FictionThe Elements of Fiction

We will study 5 elements of fiction:We will study 5 elements of fiction:

*Plot*Plot*Characterization*Characterization*Theme*Theme*Setting*Setting*Point of View*Point of View

When you are a more experienced reader, you When you are a more experienced reader, you will be introduced to even more elements of will be introduced to even more elements of fiction!fiction!

Plot and StructurePlot and Structure

PlotPlot- The sequence of or events through which an author constructs a story.- The sequence of or events through which an author constructs a story.

Important elements of Plot:Important elements of Plot:

*Exposition*Exposition

*Rising Action*Rising Action **ConflictConflict

*Climax*Climax

* Falling Action* Falling Action

* Resolution or Outcome* Resolution or Outcome

We will use a special graphic organizer called a plot diagram to help us We will use a special graphic organizer called a plot diagram to help us understand the plot structure of our novels.understand the plot structure of our novels.

Characterization Characterization Authors use dialogue, actions, thoughts, Authors use dialogue, actions, thoughts,

and narration to describe characters.and narration to describe characters.Types of charactersTypes of characters

1.1. Protagonist (Main Character) carries the Protagonist (Main Character) carries the action of the story forward. The action of the story forward. The protagonist usually, goes through an protagonist usually, goes through an emotional change.emotional change.

2.2. Antagonist (Secondary Character) Antagonist (Secondary Character) opposes the protagonist. The antagonist opposes the protagonist. The antagonist gets in the way of the protagonist’s goals.gets in the way of the protagonist’s goals.

3.3. Secondary characters- may help or hinder Secondary characters- may help or hinder the characters.the characters.

ThemeTheme

The theme of a piece of fiction is its controlling idea or its The theme of a piece of fiction is its controlling idea or its central insight about life. central insight about life.

Examples: good vs. evil, the importance of friendship, or the Examples: good vs. evil, the importance of friendship, or the consequences of greed. consequences of greed.

A story’s theme might be stated or implied.A story’s theme might be stated or implied.

Not all stories have significant themes. Not all stories have significant themes.

There is no certain method for uncovering a theme, There is no certain method for uncovering a theme, however, focusing on the protagonist, the main conflict and however, focusing on the protagonist, the main conflict and other pieces will make the task easier.other pieces will make the task easier.

SettingSetting

The setting of a story is its overall context- where, when and in what circumstances the action occurs.

• Setting as Place- The physical environment where the story takes place. The description of the environment often points towards its importance.

• Setting as Time- Includes time in all of its dimensions. To determine the importance, ask, “what was going on at that time?”

• Setting as Cultural Context- Setting also involves the social circumstances of the time and place. Consider historical events and social and political issues of the time.

• Effects of Setting- Creates atmosphere, gives insight to characters, and provides connections to other aspects of the story.

Point of ViewPoint of View

Point of View is simply who is telling the storyPoint of View is simply who is telling the story..*To determine POV ask, “who is telling the story”, and “how much do they *To determine POV ask, “who is telling the story”, and “how much do they

know?”know?”

Here are three types of point of view we will think about in sixth grade:Here are three types of point of view we will think about in sixth grade:

Omniscient POVOmniscient POV-- The story is told in third person by a narrator who has The story is told in third person by a narrator who has unlimited knowledge of events and characters.unlimited knowledge of events and characters.

Third Person Limited POVThird Person Limited POV-- The story is told in third person but from the The story is told in third person but from the view point of a character in the story. POV is limited to the view point of a character in the story. POV is limited to the character’s perceptions and shows no direct knowledge of what character’s perceptions and shows no direct knowledge of what other characters are thinking, feeling, or doing.other characters are thinking, feeling, or doing.

First Person POVFirst Person POV- - The author disappears into one of the characters. The author disappears into one of the characters. Shares the limitations of third person limited. Uses the pronouns Shares the limitations of third person limited. Uses the pronouns “I” and “we”.“I” and “we”.