Literary Elementsnotes

Elements of Fiction

• Four types of fictiona.Short storyb.Novel (realistic, historical, fantasy, mythical,

fable)c. Dramad.Poetry

Elements of Fiction

The Elements of Fiction include:a.) plot e.) symbols

b.) characters f.) point of viewc.) setting g.) moodd.) theme h.) tone

Characterization

•The means through which an author reveals a character’s personality.•Direct characterization vs. Indirect characterization

Characterization

•Direct characterization: the writer or a narrator tells the reader what the character is like.•Example: “Ben was a quiet, serious boy.”

Characterization

• Indirect characterization: the author shows the reader or audience member what the character is like through…

1.) how the character looks2.) what the character does3.) what the character says4.) what the character thinks5.) how the character affects other characters.

Types of Character Traits

Honest IntelligentResponsible

Clever DisrespectfulConfident

Clumsy BraveCowardly

Obedient SelfishSnobbish

Let’s practice…

“A girl should think about making herself look attractive so she can get a good husband later on. Looks is more important than books, Miss Hunky..." "The name is Honey," Miss Honey said. "Now look at me," Mrs Wormwood said. "Then look at you. You chose books. I chose looks.” ― Roald Dahl, Matilda

Major Character

• A main or important character; a character who plays a large role in a story. • Major characters usually face some sort of

obstacle, and they will be present throughout all, or almost all, of a story.• A story can have one major character or

several.

Minor Character

• A character who does not play a large role in a story. •Minor characters usually do not face any obstacles during the course of the story, and they usually do not change during the course of the story.

Dynamic Character

•A character who undergoes a significant internal change over the course of a story.

Static Character

•A character who does not undergo a significant change over the course of a story.

Characters

• Protagonist: the main or central character whom the action centers around. Usually, the protagonist is in a conflict or struggle with the antagonist. • Antagonist: the opponent or enemy of the

main character (protagonist). Can be a character or a force against the protagonist.

Setting

• Setting: The environment in which a story takes place, including the time period, the location, and the physical characteristics of the surroundings.

Place + Time + Environment = Setting

Place

•Place might include such things as a city, state, country, castle, cottage, ship, mountain, or stadium.

Time

•Time might include clues that let us know it is the afternoon, evening, the future, colonial times, or clock time.

Environment

•Environment might include details that describe the weather, the noise level, or darkness.

Let’s look at an example!

• Hole excerpts for setting and mood.doc• Hatchet Setting Example.doc