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Features of storyline/plot
Plot
-is the order in which things move and happen in story
Types of plots
-progressive plot: have a central climax followed by
denoument.
Episodically plots: have one incident or short episode linked to
another by a common
character or unifying theme.
Basic plot outline:
A main character is introduced. The main characters problem is
revealed. Obstacles stand between the main character and their
goal. The main character reacts and new obstacles arise. The main
character reacts again and new obstacles arise. The tension is
mounting. All is resolved as the story is brought to a
satisfactory conclusion.
A desirable trait for a book for many children is the plot.
Leibowicz (1983) found that
children like plots that are episodic. They enjoy these stories
because they proceed
event-by event. They may also enjoy episodic plots because they
are easy to
understand and follow. Leibowicz also discovered childrens
enjoyment of plots that
focus on characters with various points of view.
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Setting: The location, weather, time period, and/or time of a
story (Tompkins,
1997). One or more of the setting elements may be included in a
story.
Setting is the time and place where a scene occurs. It can help
set the mood,
influence the way characters behave, affect the dialog,
foreshadow events, invoke
an emotional response, reflect the society in which the
characters live, and
sometimes even plays a part in the story. It can also be a
critical element in
nonfiction as the setting provides the framework for what is
being discussed.
To make the setting come alive, its important to include
significant details. That
doesnt mean describing everything the characters see, or giving
a complete history
of where the scene occurs. Giving enough information to help
readers visualize the
setting is important, but too many minor details will bog down
the story rather than
move it forward.
There are ways to clarify the setting without using long
descriptive passages. For
example:
a) The type of vocabulary the characters use can suggest where
they live or where
the scene occurs. Teens from Chicago will sound different from
teenagers in rural
Kentucky. Ordering a Caramel Macchiato implies a more
sophisticated restaurant
than if the character orders an orange soda (although I
personally order pink
lemonade where ever I goexcept in winter, when I want a hot
chocolate with
whipped cream on top.)
b) The weather can indicate the time of year, or general
location of the scene.
Mentioning a hurricane, or snow, will give readers clues as to
where or when the
story takes place. The fragrance of a certain flower wafting on
a gentle breeze
suggests a different setting than the smell of asphalt
permeating the air.
c) Describing a dark, gloomy house or a shadowy forest can
suggest something
suspenseful may occur, setting the tone as well as giving
details about the location.
Candles flickering can either hint at romance or suggest a
religious scene; addingother details will help clarify their
significance.
