elements of fiction. setting: the time, place and period in which the action takes place. the...
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Elements of Fiction
Setting: The time, place and period in which the action takes place.
The Scarlet IbisThe Scarlet Ibis::Southeastern part of Southeastern part of
US, 1918, near the end US, 1918, near the end of WWIof WWI
The Scarlet IbisThe Scarlet Ibis::Southeastern part of Southeastern part of
US, 1918, near the end US, 1918, near the end of WWIof WWI
The Stolen PartyThe Stolen Party::Argentina, past, at a Argentina, past, at a
partyparty
The Stolen PartyThe Stolen Party::Argentina, past, at a Argentina, past, at a
partyparty
The setting can help in the portrayal of a character.
"...it was so quiet and lonesome out, even though it was "...it was so quiet and lonesome out, even though it was Saturday night. I didn't see hardly anybody on the street. Saturday night. I didn't see hardly anybody on the street. Now and then you just saw a man and a girl crossing the Now and then you just saw a man and a girl crossing the street with their arms around each other's waists and all, street with their arms around each other's waists and all, or a bunch of hoodlumy-looking guys and their dates, all of or a bunch of hoodlumy-looking guys and their dates, all of them laughing like hyenas at something you could bet them laughing like hyenas at something you could bet wasn't funny. New York's terrible when somebody laughs wasn't funny. New York's terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night. You can hear it for miles. It on the street very late at night. You can hear it for miles. It makes you feel so lonesome and depressed."makes you feel so lonesome and depressed."
The Catcher in the RyeThe Catcher in the Rye (p. 81) (p. 81)
"...it was so quiet and lonesome out, even though it was "...it was so quiet and lonesome out, even though it was Saturday night. I didn't see hardly anybody on the street. Saturday night. I didn't see hardly anybody on the street. Now and then you just saw a man and a girl crossing the Now and then you just saw a man and a girl crossing the street with their arms around each other's waists and all, street with their arms around each other's waists and all, or a bunch of hoodlumy-looking guys and their dates, all of or a bunch of hoodlumy-looking guys and their dates, all of them laughing like hyenas at something you could bet them laughing like hyenas at something you could bet wasn't funny. New York's terrible when somebody laughs wasn't funny. New York's terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night. You can hear it for miles. It on the street very late at night. You can hear it for miles. It makes you feel so lonesome and depressed."makes you feel so lonesome and depressed."
The Catcher in the RyeThe Catcher in the Rye (p. 81) (p. 81)
What does this passage say about the character? What words support your What does this passage say about the character? What words support your answer?answer?
What does this passage say about the character? What words support your What does this passage say about the character? What words support your answer?answer?
In some works of fiction, action is so closely related to the setting that the plot is directed
by it.
"After we had drifted a long way, I put the oars in place "After we had drifted a long way, I put the oars in place and made Doodle row back against the tide. Black clouds and made Doodle row back against the tide. Black clouds began to gather in the southwest, and he kept watching began to gather in the southwest, and he kept watching them, trying to pull the oars a little faster. When we them, trying to pull the oars a little faster. When we reached Horsehead Landing, lightning was playing across reached Horsehead Landing, lightning was playing across half the sky and thunder roared out, hiding even the sound half the sky and thunder roared out, hiding even the sound of the sea....Doodle was both tired and frightened and of the sea....Doodle was both tired and frightened and when he stepped from the skiff he collapsed onto the mud, when he stepped from the skiff he collapsed onto the mud, sending an armada of fiddler crabs rustling off into the sending an armada of fiddler crabs rustling off into the marsh grass."marsh grass."
The Scarlet IbisThe Scarlet Ibis (p. 618) (p. 618)
"After we had drifted a long way, I put the oars in place "After we had drifted a long way, I put the oars in place and made Doodle row back against the tide. Black clouds and made Doodle row back against the tide. Black clouds began to gather in the southwest, and he kept watching began to gather in the southwest, and he kept watching them, trying to pull the oars a little faster. When we them, trying to pull the oars a little faster. When we reached Horsehead Landing, lightning was playing across reached Horsehead Landing, lightning was playing across half the sky and thunder roared out, hiding even the sound half the sky and thunder roared out, hiding even the sound of the sea....Doodle was both tired and frightened and of the sea....Doodle was both tired and frightened and when he stepped from the skiff he collapsed onto the mud, when he stepped from the skiff he collapsed onto the mud, sending an armada of fiddler crabs rustling off into the sending an armada of fiddler crabs rustling off into the marsh grass."marsh grass."
The Scarlet IbisThe Scarlet Ibis (p. 618) (p. 618)
Would Doodle's fate be the same if they weren't at Horsehead Landing?Would Doodle's fate be the same if they weren't at Horsehead Landing?Would Doodle's fate be the same if they weren't at Horsehead Landing?Would Doodle's fate be the same if they weren't at Horsehead Landing?
The setting can establish the atmosphere of a work.
"During the whole of a dull, dark, and "During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heaven, I had been passing alone, on heaven, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country."of country."
The Fall of the House of User" The Fall of the House of User" by Edgar Allan Poeby Edgar Allan Poe
"During the whole of a dull, dark, and "During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heaven, I had been passing alone, on heaven, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country."of country."
The Fall of the House of User" The Fall of the House of User" by Edgar Allan Poeby Edgar Allan Poe
Remember Tone creates mood & atmosphere. What words help identify the Remember Tone creates mood & atmosphere. What words help identify the tone and influence the atmosphere?tone and influence the atmosphere?
Remember Tone creates mood & atmosphere. What words help identify the Remember Tone creates mood & atmosphere. What words help identify the tone and influence the atmosphere?tone and influence the atmosphere?
CharactersRound Round
Character:Character:
convincing, true convincing, true to lifeto life
Round Round Character:Character:
convincing, true convincing, true to lifeto life
Dynamic Dynamic Character:Character:
undergoes some undergoes some type of change in the type of change in the
storystory
Dynamic Dynamic Character:Character:
undergoes some undergoes some type of change in the type of change in the
storystory
Flat Character:Flat Character:
stereotyped, shallow, stereotyped, shallow, often symbolicoften symbolic
Flat Character:Flat Character:
stereotyped, shallow, stereotyped, shallow, often symbolicoften symbolic
Static Character:Static Character:
does not change in does not change in the course of the the course of the
storystory
Static Character:Static Character:
does not change in does not change in the course of the the course of the
storystory
The people (or animals, things, etc.) who take
part in the action of the story.
CharactersProtagonist:Protagonist:
Main character or Main character or hero of the storyhero of the story
Protagonist:Protagonist:
Main character or Main character or hero of the storyhero of the story
Antagonist:Antagonist:
Character in Character in opposition to the opposition to the
protagonist. protagonist.
Antagonist could Antagonist could be a force of be a force of
nature.nature.
Antagonist:Antagonist:
Character in Character in opposition to the opposition to the
protagonist. protagonist.
Antagonist could Antagonist could be a force of be a force of
nature.nature.
If Doodle is the protagonist, why is his brother the antagonist and not If Doodle is the protagonist, why is his brother the antagonist and not Doodle's weak heart?Doodle's weak heart?
If Doodle is the protagonist, why is his brother the antagonist and not If Doodle is the protagonist, why is his brother the antagonist and not Doodle's weak heart?Doodle's weak heart?
Methods of Characterization
How do we figure out what type of people the characters are?
Direct quotes Direct quotes from the story.from the story.
"He was nice, like "He was nice, like someone you meet someone you meet
in your dreams"in your dreams"
Direct quotes Direct quotes from the story.from the story.
"He was nice, like "He was nice, like someone you meet someone you meet
in your dreams"in your dreams"
The character's The character's own words and own words and
actions.actions.
The character's The character's own words and own words and
actions.actions.
Reaction of other Reaction of other characters.characters.
Reaction of other Reaction of other characters.characters.
Physical AppearancesPhysical AppearancesPhysical AppearancesPhysical AppearancesCharacter'Character'
s s thoughts.thoughts.
Character'Character's s
thoughts.thoughts.
Plot
The series or sequence of events The series or sequence of events and actions that takes place in a and actions that takes place in a
story.story.
The series or sequence of events The series or sequence of events and actions that takes place in a and actions that takes place in a
story.story.
Elements of PlotThe plot revolves around the conflict.
ManManManMan ManManManMan
ManManManMan NatureNatureNatureNature
SocietySocietySocietySociety
HimselfHimselfHimselfHimself
ManManManMan
ManManManMan
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
ResolutionResolution: The conclusion, : The conclusion, reveals the final outcome and reveals the final outcome and
ties up loose ends.ties up loose ends.
ResolutionResolution: The conclusion, : The conclusion, reveals the final outcome and reveals the final outcome and
ties up loose ends.ties up loose ends.
ClimaxClimax: The turning point. The : The turning point. The most intense moment (either most intense moment (either
mentally or in action)mentally or in action)
ClimaxClimax: The turning point. The : The turning point. The most intense moment (either most intense moment (either
mentally or in action)mentally or in action)
ExpositionExposition: The beginning of : The beginning of the story. Introduces setting & the story. Introduces setting & characters. Describes the way characters. Describes the way things are before the action things are before the action
starts.starts.
ExpositionExposition: The beginning of : The beginning of the story. Introduces setting & the story. Introduces setting & characters. Describes the way characters. Describes the way things are before the action things are before the action
starts.starts.
Rising ActionRising Action: The conflict : The conflict becomes clear and suspense becomes clear and suspense
builds as the characters builds as the characters struggle to resolve the conflict. struggle to resolve the conflict.
Leads to climax.Leads to climax.
Rising ActionRising Action: The conflict : The conflict becomes clear and suspense becomes clear and suspense
builds as the characters builds as the characters struggle to resolve the conflict. struggle to resolve the conflict.
Leads to climax.Leads to climax. Plot Sequen
ce:
Falling ActionFalling Action: All of the : All of the action that follows the climax. action that follows the climax. Conflict may be solved but not Conflict may be solved but not
yet fully worked out.yet fully worked out.
Falling ActionFalling Action: All of the : All of the action that follows the climax. action that follows the climax. Conflict may be solved but not Conflict may be solved but not
yet fully worked out.yet fully worked out.
Point of View: Who is telling the story?
Objective Point of ViewObjective Point of View: The author tells what happens without : The author tells what happens without expressing what the characters think or feel.expressing what the characters think or feel.Objective Point of ViewObjective Point of View: The author tells what happens without : The author tells what happens without expressing what the characters think or feel.expressing what the characters think or feel.
Limited Omniscient Point of ViewLimited Omniscient Point of View: Narrator's knowledge is limited to : Narrator's knowledge is limited to one character, but knows how that one character thinks and feels.one character, but knows how that one character thinks and feels. Limited Omniscient Point of ViewLimited Omniscient Point of View: Narrator's knowledge is limited to : Narrator's knowledge is limited to one character, but knows how that one character thinks and feels.one character, but knows how that one character thinks and feels.
First Person Point of ViewFirst Person Point of View: Story is told from the point of view of one : Story is told from the point of view of one of the characters who uses the first person pronouns of the characters who uses the first person pronouns I, me, myI, me, myFirst Person Point of ViewFirst Person Point of View: Story is told from the point of view of one : Story is told from the point of view of one of the characters who uses the first person pronouns of the characters who uses the first person pronouns I, me, myI, me, my
Second Person Point of ViewSecond Person Point of View: The narrator addresses the reader : The narrator addresses the reader intimately as intimately as youyou. This is rarely used.. This is rarely used.Second Person Point of ViewSecond Person Point of View: The narrator addresses the reader : The narrator addresses the reader intimately as intimately as youyou. This is rarely used.. This is rarely used.
From what point of view is the From what point of view is the Scarlet Ibis Scarlet Ibis told?told?From what point of view is the From what point of view is the Scarlet Ibis Scarlet Ibis told?told?
Omniscient Third Person Point of ViewOmniscient Third Person Point of View: Narrator is not a character in : Narrator is not a character in the story but knows all the characters' thoughts and feelings. Pronouns the story but knows all the characters' thoughts and feelings. Pronouns used are used are he, she, theyhe, she, they
Omniscient Third Person Point of ViewOmniscient Third Person Point of View: Narrator is not a character in : Narrator is not a character in the story but knows all the characters' thoughts and feelings. Pronouns the story but knows all the characters' thoughts and feelings. Pronouns used are used are he, she, theyhe, she, they
Theme: a reviewThe The themetheme of a piece of fiction is its of a piece of fiction is its central idea. central idea. It usually contains It usually contains some insight into the some insight into the human conditionhuman condition..The The themetheme of a piece of fiction is its of a piece of fiction is its central idea. central idea. It usually contains It usually contains some insight into the some insight into the human conditionhuman condition..
In most short stories, the theme can be expressed in a In most short stories, the theme can be expressed in a single sentence.single sentence.In most short stories, the theme can be expressed in a In most short stories, the theme can be expressed in a single sentence.single sentence.
Most themes are Most themes are not obviousnot obvious and must be and must be inferredinferred by the reader. by the reader.Most themes are Most themes are not obviousnot obvious and must be and must be inferredinferred by the reader. by the reader.
In longer works of fiction, the central theme is often accompanied by a In longer works of fiction, the central theme is often accompanied by a number of lesser, related themes, or there may be two or more central number of lesser, related themes, or there may be two or more central themes.themes.
In longer works of fiction, the central theme is often accompanied by a In longer works of fiction, the central theme is often accompanied by a number of lesser, related themes, or there may be two or more central number of lesser, related themes, or there may be two or more central themes.themes.
Themes should be stated as a generalization.Themes should be stated as a generalization.Themes should be stated as a generalization.Themes should be stated as a generalization.
• Gather informationGather information• Look for things in common among the factsLook for things in common among the facts• Form a general statement about the related facts & make Form a general statement about the related facts & make
sure all facts fit.sure all facts fit.
• Gather informationGather information• Look for things in common among the factsLook for things in common among the facts• Form a general statement about the related facts & make Form a general statement about the related facts & make
sure all facts fit.sure all facts fit.
Create a general statement about
the following:The narrator wanted to smother Doodle with a pillow.The narrator wanted to smother Doodle with a pillow.The narrator wanted to smother Doodle with a pillow.The narrator wanted to smother Doodle with a pillow.
The narrator violently pulled Doodle in his go-cart, trying to tip him The narrator violently pulled Doodle in his go-cart, trying to tip him over.over.
The narrator violently pulled Doodle in his go-cart, trying to tip him The narrator violently pulled Doodle in his go-cart, trying to tip him over.over.
The narrator didn't want a brother that wasn't "all there".The narrator didn't want a brother that wasn't "all there".The narrator didn't want a brother that wasn't "all there".The narrator didn't want a brother that wasn't "all there".
The narrator taught Doodle to walk because he was embarrassed of The narrator taught Doodle to walk because he was embarrassed of him.him.
The narrator taught Doodle to walk because he was embarrassed of The narrator taught Doodle to walk because he was embarrassed of him.him.
The narrator was mean to his brother, Doodle.The narrator was mean to his brother, Doodle.The narrator was mean to his brother, Doodle.The narrator was mean to his brother, Doodle.
Symbolism:A symbol represents an idea, quality, or
concept larger than itself.
A journey can A journey can symbolize life.symbolize life.A journey can A journey can symbolize life.symbolize life.
Water may Water may represent a new represent a new
beginning.beginning.
Water may Water may represent a new represent a new
beginning.beginning.
Black can Black can represent evil or represent evil or
death.death.
Black can Black can represent evil or represent evil or
death.death.
A lion could be a A lion could be a symbol of courage.symbol of courage.A lion could be a A lion could be a
symbol of courage.symbol of courage.
What is symbolic in What is symbolic in The Scarlet IbisThe Scarlet Ibis??What is symbolic in What is symbolic in The Scarlet IbisThe Scarlet Ibis??
Other Elements:
AllusionAllusion: a reference to a person, place or literary, historical, artistic, : a reference to a person, place or literary, historical, artistic, mythological source or event.mythological source or event.AllusionAllusion: a reference to a person, place or literary, historical, artistic, : a reference to a person, place or literary, historical, artistic, mythological source or event.mythological source or event.
DialogueDialogue: a conversation between two or more of the characters.: a conversation between two or more of the characters.DialogueDialogue: a conversation between two or more of the characters.: a conversation between two or more of the characters.
ForeshadowingForeshadowing: early clues about what will happen later in a piece of fiction.: early clues about what will happen later in a piece of fiction.ForeshadowingForeshadowing: early clues about what will happen later in a piece of fiction.: early clues about what will happen later in a piece of fiction.
IronyIrony: a difference between what is expected and reality (what actually : a difference between what is expected and reality (what actually happens).happens).IronyIrony: a difference between what is expected and reality (what actually : a difference between what is expected and reality (what actually happens).happens).
StyleStyle: a writer's individual and distinct way of writing. This distinguishes one : a writer's individual and distinct way of writing. This distinguishes one author's writing from another's.author's writing from another's.StyleStyle: a writer's individual and distinct way of writing. This distinguishes one : a writer's individual and distinct way of writing. This distinguishes one author's writing from another's.author's writing from another's.
Other Elements:
StructureStructure: the way time moves through a : the way time moves through a novel.novel.StructureStructure: the way time moves through a : the way time moves through a novel.novel.
ChronologicalChronological: starts at the beginning and moves : starts at the beginning and moves through time.through time.ChronologicalChronological: starts at the beginning and moves : starts at the beginning and moves through time.through time.
FlashbackFlashback: starts in the present and then goes back : starts in the present and then goes back to the past.to the past.FlashbackFlashback: starts in the present and then goes back : starts in the present and then goes back to the past.to the past.
CircularCircular: Starts in the present, flashes back to the : Starts in the present, flashes back to the past, and returns to the present at the conclusion.past, and returns to the present at the conclusion.CircularCircular: Starts in the present, flashes back to the : Starts in the present, flashes back to the past, and returns to the present at the conclusion.past, and returns to the present at the conclusion.
PanelPanel: same story told from different viewpoints.: same story told from different viewpoints.PanelPanel: same story told from different viewpoints.: same story told from different viewpoints.