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STUDY GUIDESTUDY GUIDE

Unit: Story Elements

Test Date: Wednesday the 24th

Ticket to Test: Complete Definitions for each term

UNIT ONE TARGETSBasic Story Elements Vocabulary

1. I can define plot.

2. I can define character.2. I can define character.

3. I can define setting.

4. I can define theme.

NAME ____________________________

PLOT• The series of events in a

story…can be seen as a

summary of the story’s

highlights from beginning

to middle to end.

– A plot is built around a – A plot is built around a

conflict (problem)

– Most plots develop in a

series of stages• exposition, rising action,

climax, falling action,

resolution

CHARACTER

• The people, animals, or creatures in a story

– Main characters, minor characters

– Protagonist ☺ / Antagonist �

– Readers learn about characters through

characterization – their conversations, actions,

thoughts, appearance, etc.

SETTING

• The time and place in

which a story takes place

– The time may be the

past, the present, or

the future.the future.

– The place may be

imaginary or real.

– There may be multiple

settings.

– The setting can be

general or specific.

THEME

• The meaning , moral, or “big idea” of the

story– What the author hoped you’d “get” from the story

– In children’s stories these themes are often

straightforward (don’t steal, be honest, etc.)straightforward (don’t steal, be honest, etc.)

– As readers develop, they are expected to think

deeper about the possible themes of a story

Your Ticket to Test!Plot: ___________________________________________________________

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Character: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Setting: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Theme: ________________________________________________________

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