Writing Fiction

1.Plot2.Character3.Setting4.Point of View5.Style

The 5 Elements of Fiction

The 5 Elements of Fiction

1.Plot –2.Character3.Setting4.Point of

View5.Style

the major events that move the action in the narrative, usually in cause-effect relation.

The 5 Elements of Fiction

1.Plot2.Character

–3.Setting4.Point of

View5.Style

Person/people the story follows. Distinguish between flat and round characters.

The 5 Elements of Fiction

1.Plot2.Character 3.Setting

–4.Point of

View5.Style

Combo. Of place, historical time, culture, etc. that provides the general background for the characters and plot.

The 5 Elements of Fiction

1.Plot2.Character 3.Setting4.Point of View

–5.Style

First, second, or third person. Third comes in limited and omniscient.

The 5 Elements of Fiction

Author’s choice of diction (word choice), syntax (arrangement of words), & more.

1.Plot2.Character 3.Setting4.Point of View5.Style

–

Plot

• Kurt Vonnegut’s Shapes of Stories

Character

• Flat Characters –• Round

Characters

Two-dimensional characters that are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the course of a work.

Character

Complex characters who are complex and undergo development, sometimes to the surprise of the reader.

• Flat Characters• Round

Characters –

Character

• How to create round characters• Speech (dialect, accent, etc.)• Thoughts• Actions• Physical Appearance• Effect on other characters

Setting

• Historical Time• Geographic Location• Culture

Point of View

• First

• Second

• Third person (limited and omniscient)

Style

• Tone• Diction (word choice)• Syntax• Sentence

All of this creates the author’s VOICE

StyleStyle

The importance of body language:• Eye contact• Posture• Facial expressions• Proximity to others• Hands/Arms/Legs movement

Style

Writing Activity

Write a conversation in which none of the characters are

speaking (i.e. NO DIALOGUE), focusing on their body

language.