Elements of Fiction

C. SandersEnglish Presentation

What is fiction?

• Fiction writing is a story that comes from the writer’s imagination, though it can be based on actual events and people.

Two Formats of Fiction Writing• Short Stories • Novels

• Short stories are brief works of literature that can be read in one sitting.

• Novels are longer and more complex narratives.

Elements of Fiction

• There are five elements of fiction which are:

• Setting• Character• Plot• Theme • Point of View

Setting

• The time and place in which a story occurs.

• The place can be real or imaginary and spans from time of day, season, and/or a period of history.

• The setting is usually delivered in the story’s exposition.

Characters

• The individuals who take part in the action of the story.

• Two types:• Main Characters• Minor Characters

• The main character is the center of the story’s action.

• The minor characters help propel the story’s events.

Characters

• Dynamic characters grow and change within the plot.

• Static characters remain the same, despite the events in the story.

• The development of characters takes place through characterization.

Characterization

• Characterization is developed through:• Physical description • A character’s own speech, thoughts,

feelings, and actions• The speech, thoughts, feelings, and

actions of other characters• Narrator's comments.

Plot

• The events that take place in the story.• The plot will always have a conflict-

whether it is internal or external.• Internal conflict deals with the main

character have to resolve an issue or problem within himself/herself.

• External conflict is when an outside opposing force comes against the main character within the story.

Elements of the Plot

• Exposition

• Rising Action

• Provides background information on the characters and setting.

• The part of the plot in which the conflict is introduced.

Elements of the Plot

• Climax

• Falling Action

• The turning point of the action where the conflict reaches its peak. This is the highest point of the reader’s interest.

• The action that takes place after the conflict- a resolution is made or introduced.

Theme

• The universal message or truth within a work of literature.

• The message may be about life, society, or human nature.

• The theme is timeless and can relate to people outside of the work of the literature.

• The theme statement is always implied rather than explicitly stated; stated in a sentence or two.

Examples of Themein “Harrison Bergeron”

The Individual and Society•Society and a person's inner nature are always at war.

•Hindrances of all kinds mature a leader and make him/her stronger in mind and spirit.

Point of View

• Refers to the relationship between the narrator and the events he or she describes

• Types:• First-person• Third-person• Third-person omniscient• Third-person limited

Unit 1: “The Challenge of Change”

• Unit 1 deals with “The Challenge of Change” in which people, places, relationships, and societies change over time.

• Unit 1: Part 1 discusses “The Price of Progress”- discusses the effects of technological progress on characters in a number of settings within the stories.

• Unit 1: Part 1 presents that people have the power to evoke change.

Independent Activity

• Quick-Write

• Write about a time in which you felt the need for progress. What did you do to attain positive progression? How did you feel during the process of change?

• Be prepared to share your answers.

“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut

• Vonnegut portrays a society in which everyone is equal- society eliminates individual differences.

• Discussion Question: What would our world be like if everyone was equal? Can a nation truly achieve equality?

Literary Analysis

• Write an explanation that tells what Harrison’s rebellion reveals about his character. Include details and examples from the text to support your answer. [1.2.2]