Transcript Elements of Fiction - Mr. Stadum English & Contemporary

Elements of Fiction
Characters
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A character is a person, animal, or imaginary
creature
2 Kinds of Characters:
Protagonist: main character or hero
Antagonist: another character which causes
conflict for the protagonist. The antagonist
can be a character, society, or object.
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Characterization
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2.
3.
4.
5.
A description of individuals in a story
5 Ways to Develop a Character:
Physical Description of Character
Character’s Speech, Thought, and Actions
The Speech, Thoughts, and Actions of Other
Characters
Eye-Awakening Situations
Direct Statement about Character
Setting
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Where and When a story takes place
Plot
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The sequence of events in a story
5 Parts of Plot:
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
Plot Diagram
Climax
Rising Action
Exposition
Falling Action
Resolution
Plot- Exposition
-the beginning part of a story that:
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Sets the tone
Establishes the setting
Introduces characters
Gives the reader important
background information
Plot- Rising Action
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series of actions which lead the
story to the climax
Plot- Climax
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“turning point” of the story
The climax is the point of maximum
interest. It usually occurs toward the end
of a story, after the reader has understood
the conflict and become emotionally
involved with the characters.
At the climax, the outcome of the plot
becomes clear.
Plot- Falling Action
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occurs after the climax
conflicts are beginning to be
resolved- loose ends are tied up
Plot- Resolution
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part of the story where the
problem or conflict is solved
occurs after the climax and falling
action
“the end”
Conflict
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struggle between a character and
an opposing force
2 Kinds of Conflict:
Internal Conflict
External Conflict
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External Conflict
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struggle between a character and
an outside force such as society,
nature, or another character
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Society
Man vs. Animal
Man vs. Machine
Internal Conflict
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struggle within a character’s mind
usually occurs when a character
has to make a decision or to deal
with feelings
Man Vs. Self
Theme
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The underlying message in a story
that deals with life or human nature
When determining theme, think about:
the title
the way a character changes and what
they learn
Big ideas such as courage and freedom