BASIC STORY ELEMENTSGrade 8 English

This powerpoint should help introduce you tobasic story elements. In every story thereexists certain elements: Characters, Plot,Setting, and Themes. You will be introducedto each of these elements in detail with thehope that you will be able to use themeffectively in creating an outline for a storyof your own.

CHARACTERS

Characters can be defined by any one of the following: Physical Appearance; Thoughts, Speech, and Actions; Other Characters; and the Narrator’s Comments.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

A character’s physical appearance can tell the reader a great deal about the character.

When looking at a character keep in mind the following questions:

What does the character look like? What are his or her expressions, gestures, or

body language?

THOUGHTS, SPEECH, AND ACTIONS

A character’s words and actions can reveal his or her personality.

Ask yourself: What does this character think, say, or do? How does he or she treat others? What kinds of things are important to him or

her?

OTHER CHARACTERS

Other characters’ feelings or actions can also tell the reader a lot about a character.

To find out how characters feel about one another ask:

What does the character say about the other character?

How do they treat each other?

NARRATOR’S COMMENTS

Sometimes the narrator of a story will tell the reader directly specific information about a character.

Ask yourself: What does the narrator say about the

character? Does the narrator respect the character or

criticize him or her?

PLOT

A plot is the series of events in a story. The plot of a story usually focuses on a type

of conflict. The plot also follows a certain pattern. This

pattern consists of five stages: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, ad Resolution.

CONFLICT

A conflict is a struggle between two forces. It helps move the action along in a story.

Conflict can be either external or internal.

EXTERNAL CONFLICT

External Conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force. This force might be another characters, a group of characters, or a force existing in nature.

Examples: A sea captain up against a deadly storm.

A boxer facing an opponent. A girl having a fight with her friends.

INTERNAL CONFLICT

Internal Conflict is a struggle within a character’s mind. This kind of conflict happens when a character must deal with opposing thoughts or feelings.

Examples: Speak your mind or stay silent? Admit needing help or try it alone? Take a risk or play it safe?

PLOT PATTERN

Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

EXPOSITION

The Exposition introduces the setting and the characters of a story.

It also sets up or hints at the conflict.

RISING ACTION

The Rising Action shows how the conflict unfolds and becomes more complicated.

It also helps build suspense in a story.

CLIMAX

The Climax is the most exciting moment and the turning point of a story.

The climax often results in a change for the main character.

FALLING ACTION

The Falling Action eases the suspense in a story.

It reveals how the main character begins to resolve the conflict.

RESOLUTION

The Resolution ties up loose ends and brings the story to a close.

It sometimes offers an unexpected twist before the story ends.

SETTING

Setting is the time and place of the action. The time might be the historical era, the season, or the time of day. The place might be a country, a neighbourhood, or a room. In many stories, setting affects the action and the character’s feelings.

SETTING: THE TIME

When you are reading a story, ask yourself the following questions to determine the time:

•What historical period is it? •What time of year is it? Is it summer,

winter, fall? •What time of day is it? Is it in the

morning, the afternoon, or in the evening?

SETTING: THE PLACE

When you are reading a story, ask yourself the following questions to determine the place:

What country or city do the characters live in?

Where do the characters live? In a house, an apartment, a condo?

Where do the characters go in the story? To school, to the park, to the store, etc?

THEMES

A theme is the message about life that the writer wants you to understand. A story usually has at least one theme and sometimes more. By figuring out a theme, you can learn a little about human nature.

HOW TO FIND THEMES

Sometimes the theme is of a story is stated directly by the narrator or a character. Most often, though, a theme is implied – hinted at but not stated directly. You may need to infer the theme by finding clues in the text. The next few slides will give you some clues and questions that you will need to ask yourself when trying to find themes.

FINDING THEMES - CLUE #1

The Title of the Story: The title of the story may reflect a

story’s topic, its theme, or both. Ask: What does each word in the title mean? What ideas does the title emphasize?

FINDING THEMES – CLUE #2

Plot: A story’s plot often revolves around a

conflict that is important to the theme. Ask:

What conflicts do the character’s face? How are the conflicts resolved?

FINDING THEMES – CLUE #3

Characters: What characters do and learn can

reflect a theme. Ask: What are the main characters like?

(Analyze their speech, thoughts, and actions.)

How do the characters respond to conflicts?

How do the characters change? What lessons do the characters learn?

FINDING THEMES – CLUE #4

Setting: A setting can suggest a theme because

of what it means to the characters. Ask: How does the setting influence the

characters? How does the setting affect the

conflicts? What might the setting represent? (for

example, a character’s childhood home might represent safety for him or for her.)