What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction literature? Try your best to

describe what sets the two apart. Record your thoughts in a brief paragraph.

I will learn the elements of a narrative essay and define main/subordinate characters in my own words by taking notes, synthesizing my notes, and completing a practice activity.

Learning Goal

Note Taking Format

TERM

NameDate

PeriodNOTES MY TRANSLATION

Literary Term

(You will record your notes in this column) (You will record your translation in this column)

Nonfiction

Term: Elements of Nonfiction

• Narrated by an author who is a real person.• Presents facts, describes true-life experiences, or

discusses ideas.• Written for a specific audience. • Address a clear purpose for writing.• Audience and purpose influence the type of

information a writer includes.• The writer’s word choice and style creates a specific

tone, or attitude towards the subject.

Term: Types of Nonfiction

• Narrative: describes real-life events. Some narrative nonfiction maybe reflective writing in which an author shares personal experiences or ideas.

• Expository: informs or explains.• Persuasive: presents reasons and evidence to

convince the read to act or think a certain way.• Descriptive: uses sensory details to create mental

images for the reader.

Translate the notes you just took on nonfiction into your

own words.

(2 Minutes)

Term: Narrative Essay

• A narrative essay is a short piece of nonfiction that tells a story about a real person or event. – relates a series of events, and has main and subordinate

characters. – Interactions between characters help readers understand

their motivations and goals.

Translate the notes you just took on narrative essays

into your own words.(2 Minutes)

Term: Main vs. Subordinate (minor) characters

• Main character: Known as the protagonist and is the most important character in a story.– Often changes in an important way as a result of the story’s events.

• Subordinate character: a minor character or secondary character to the protagonist.– Adds depth and complication to the story

Translate the notes you just took on main vs. subordinate

characters into your own words.

(2 Minutes)

Term: Motivation

• A reason that explains why a character thinks, feels, acts, or behaves in a certain way.– Results from a combination of the character’s personality and the situation they must

deal with.

Translate the notes you just took on motivation into your

own words.

(2 Minutes)

Practice Activity

• We will view a short animated film together. • You will work with your table partner to

identify the following:– Fiction/nonfiction characters– Main and subordinate characters– The character’s motivation for the particular

behavior/action

Knick Knacks by Disney Pixar

Exit ReflectionIn your own words, define the elements

of a narrative essay, motivation, and explain the difference between main and subordinate characters.