Transcript Impromptu  What is your definition of fiction?  Would you rather read fiction or non fiction and why?

Impromptu

What is your definition of fiction?
 Would you rather read fiction or non fiction
and why?
Elements of Fiction
An Introduction to Short Stories
What is Fiction?
Writing that comes from an author’s
imagination.
 NOT factual, but may be based on facts and
real experiences.
 What are some examples of fiction?

What is Non-Fiction?

Non-fiction is writing about real people, events, or
facts.
 Usually provides information
 Four main purposes of non-fiction:
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To inform
To give an opinion
To persuade
To Entertain
What are some examples of non-fiction writing?
Short Story vs. Novel

A short story is a work of fiction that
centers on a single idea and can be read in
one sitting.
 A novel focuses on several ideas and is
much longer and more complex than a short
story.
Characters

Characters are the people or animals in a
story.
– Main Characters are those who are most
important in a story.
– Minor Characters play a less important role.
Static vs. Dynamic Characters
 A static
character is one that does not
undergo important change in the course
of the story, remaining essentially the
same at the end as he or she was at the
beginning.
 A dynamic character, in contrast, is
one that does undergo an important
emotional or mental change in the
course of the story.
Round vs. Flat Characters
Flat characters are two-dimensional in
that they are relatively uncomplicated
and do not change throughout the
course of a work.
 By contrast, round characters are
complex and undergo development,
sometimes sufficiently to surprise the
reader.

Setting

The TIME and PLACE that story occurs.
 What are some examples of different
settings?
 Why could a story’s setting make a
difference?
Plot

The series of events in a story, that is, what
happens in the story.
 There are five specific development stages of a
plot which are:
– Exposition = Introduction
– Rising Action =Suspense
– Climax = Final Battle
– Falling Action = Dramatic
– Resolution= Aftermath
Plot Diagram
Climax
Falling Action
Rising Action
Exposition
Resolution
Exposition

At the beginning of the story.
 Gives background information that the
reader needs to know.
 Introduces:
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The setting
The characters
Conflict
Past
Rising Action

The conflict becomes obvious.
 Complications arise.
 Suspense builds.
 Main characters struggle to solve their
problem.
Climax

The turning point of the story.
 The point at which the conflict is solved.
 The climax usually results in a change in
the characters or a solution to the problem.
 Usually occurs toward the end of a story.
Falling Action

The effects of the climax are shown.
 The results of the decision or action that
caused the climax are worked out.
 Sometimes a very short part of the story.
Resolution

Tells how the struggle ends.
 Ties up any loose ends of the plot.
 The very end of the story.
Theme

The theme of a story is the message a writer
presents through the characters and the plot.
 Often is a generalization about life, or a
lesson that the characters learn.
 The theme is not stated outright; the reader
has to figure it out.
Conflict

Conflict- Opposition between characters or
forces in a work of drama or fiction,
especially opposition that motivates or
shapes the action of the plot.
Types of Conflict
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Four Types of Conflict
Person vs. Person- One character against another
Person vs. Self- A character against his or her self
Person vs. Nature- A character against some form
of nature
Person vs. Society- A character against some form
of society
Now it’s your turn…

Choose an appropriate movie as a class and
discuss the elements that you reviewed
today.