Transcript Elements of Fiction - Gateway School District

Genre and
Elements of
Literature
I. Genre
A. Definition: a term used to describe the
main categories of literature
B. Four types:
1. Fiction (includes many subdivisions)
2. Nonfiction (includes subdivisions)
3. Poetry (expresses emotion/story with
figurative language)
4. Drama (writing meant to be performed)
II. Fiction: writing that comes
from the author’s imagination
A. Short Story
1. Usually revolves around a single idea
2. Is short enough to read at one sitting
B. Novel
1. Involves a more complicated plot
with more than one conflict
2. Is a longer work
III. Plot: the sequence of events
A. Built around a central conflict
1. Conflict – a problem or struggle
between forces
2. Types of conflict:
a. Character vs. character(s)
b. Character vs. self
c. Character vs. nature
d. Character vs. society
3. Internal or external
IV. Plot Chart
Turning point, highest
suspense. Find solution to
problem.
Learn about problem,
obstacles encountered
Rising Action
(complications)
Solves the problem, ties
up loose ends
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
Exposition
Introduces characters,
describes setting
Conclusion of story
V. Setting: time and place in
which the story happens
A. Helps set mood
B. Time
1. Past, present, or future
2. Day or night
3. Season or year
C. Place
1. Real or imaginary
2. Any location
VI. Character: people that take
part in the story
A.
Main character: the central figure in the
story
*antagonist
*protagonist
B. Minor character: provide background
for the story, interact with the main
character
VI. Character, continued
C. Traits
1. more permanent qualities of
personality
2. generally do not change much
D. Motives
1. reasons behind actions
2. may change during the story
VII. Characterization: methods
the author uses to make
characters seem real
A. What the character does and says (Actions
and conversation)
B. What the character thinks (Thoughts)
C. What the character looks like (Appearance)
D. How other characters respond to him/her
VIII. Theme: main message the
author wants the reader to know
A.
B.
C.
D.
May be lesson about life or humanity
Not stated directly
Inferred from details and events
Different readers may find different
meanings in same story