Elements of Fiction for shs NEW PPT.pptx

for humanities

1. Elements of Fiction

2. Fiction Literature with imaginary people, events, or places . A form of writing that is made up. Normally contains lessons, themes and messages about life. Types of Fiction – classified according to length Novels – long works of fiction. Short stories – brief, focus is upon one single conflict. Novellas – shorter than novels but longer than short stories. Example: N arnia ( P rince C aspian)

3. Plot Strikes Again Remember from your drama notes Plot Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Dénouement

4. SETTING Keep in mind these things are not always DIRECTLY stated . When the story takes place Time period Time of day Where the story took place Location (specific or general) Weather Context / historical background / social conditions in which the story is set provides us with additional plot information. Socio- economic characteristics of a location, etc.

5. Setting - in relationship to the characters or conflict *The setting is part of the conflict when a character becomes shipwrecked on a desert island. *The setting affects characters when a historic event such as a war changes their lives. *The setting also influences the characters when they travel to a place that is foreign to them and must learn new customs.

6. Setting It Was a Dark and Stormy Night… Snoopy - in relationship to the atmosphere or theme of a work. *Stories about loss or death often take place in winter. *Suspenseful or scary stories often take place in dark, secluded places. *Futuristic stories often take place in outer space or on another planet.

7. The Theme of a piece of fiction is its central idea. It usually contains some insight into the human condition . A general statement of the central, underlying, and controlling idea or insight of a work of literature. The idea the writer wishes to convey about the subject — the writer’s view of the world or a revelation about human nature. Can be expressed in a single sentence. Theme is NOT - expressed in a single word the purpose of a work the moral the conflict

8. Some common themes in L iterature Man is man's worst enemy. Good is stronger than evil. A person grows by facing obstacles. Enjoy life now because we don't know what the future holds. Love conquers all. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Notice that the themes aren't describing particular events or characters. They are broad ideas that can apply to all people.

9. How do I identify the theme? Look closely at the title. Sometimes you will find a clue about the theme. Look for ideas that are repeated more than once. Look for lessons that the character learns. Think about what happens in the story and how it can apply to life. For example, if the main character must survive an approaching rainstorm, the theme may be, "Nature is at war with mankind."

10. Symbolism A symbol represents an idea, quality, or concept larger than itself. A journey can symbolize life. Black can represent evil or death. Water may represent a new beginning. A lion could be a symbol of courage.

11. Other Fiction Elements Allusion: a reference to a person, place or literary, historical, artistic, mythological source or event. Allegory : a form of extended metaphor in which all of the elements of the story have meanings that lie outside the narrative itself (ie: the story is symbolic of another story) Underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy. Atmosphere: the prevailing emotional and mental climate of a piece of fiction.

12. Dialect : the language of a particular region or group of people. Includes the sound, spelling, and diction used by that group . Dialogue: the reproduction of a conversation between two of the characters. Flashback: interrupts the plot of a story and goes back to a past event

13. Foreshadowing: early clues about what will happen later in a piece of fiction. Irony: a difference between what is expected and reality Style: a writer’s individual and distinct way of writing. The total of the qualities that distinguish one author’s writing from another’s.

14. STRUCTURE The way time moves through a novel. Chronological: starts at the beginning and moves through time. Flashback: starts in the present and then goes back to the past. Circular or Anticipatory: starts in the present, flashes back to the past, and returns to the present at the conclusion. Panel: same story told from different viewpoints.

15. CHARACTERS Protagonist The main character in a literary work. NOT always the “good” guy! Antagonist The character who opposes the protagonist. NOT always the “bad” guy!

16. Characterization The process by which the author reveals the personality of the characters. Different types of characters Different ways of getting their personalities across

17. Types of Characters Dynamic : Develops and grows t hroughout the course of the work. Round : A character who is complex and has many sides or traits with unpredictable behavior and a fully developed personality. Has faults as well as virtues. 3. Static : Does not develop throughout the work. 4. Flat : A character who has one or two sides , representing one or two traits — often a stereotype .

18. Ways to find out about the characters Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.” The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is quiet. Direct Characterization Indirect Characterization Direct characterization is • when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is. Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character. There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

19. Indirect Characterization S: Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak? “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!” This shows us the character is upbeat and happy. T: Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings? I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside! This shows us the character is not happy about the situation.

20. E: Effect on Others What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert. This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others. A: Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave? The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage. This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety. L: Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress? The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face. This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.

21. Character Analysis In order to analyze characters think about the following: Traits A special quality or something special about someone’s personality Motivation What causes someone to act in a certain way Conflict When characters have different interests or goals Point of View The side from which a story it told Relationships The connection of people in friendship, family, work, school, etc.

22. Point of View Refers to the way the story is told . The perspective (position) from which the events are narrated .

23. Different View Points First Person Point of View Uses word “I” or “we” Often used when someone is stating an opinion or sharing a feeling . Naïve first person narrator Understands LESS about events in the story than the readers do Ie: If the narrator is a five year old; the reader may have a clearer understanding of the events in the story than the child who is describing them . Second Person Uses the word “you” Used when giving directions or speaking directly to someone Almost NEVER used to tell a story

24. Third Person Uses words “he”, “she”, “they” and sometimes “it” Omniscient The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell you the thoughts and actions of all characters at all times . (Pronouns: he , she, him, her, they, them, etc.) Limited: The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell you the thoughts and actions of a few key characters at all times . (Pronouns: he , she, him, her, they, them, etc.)

25. CONFLICT The problems encountered by the characters in the story . Two types of Conflict Internal External

26. INTERNAL CONFLICT Character Vs. Self The protagonist in the sto ry experiences conflict with her or his conscience .

27. EXTERNAL CONFLICT Main character fights against something or struggles to overcome something outside of himself . Character versus Nature Character versus Character Character versus Society Character versus Technology Character versus the Supernatural Character versus Fate

28. Character v s. Nature The protagonist in the sto ry experiences conflict with the elements of nature.

29. Character v s . Character The protagonist in the sto ry experiences conflict with others, especially the antagonist .

30. Character vs. Society The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with society as a whole.

31. Character Vs. Technology The protagonist in the story experiences conflict wit h technology.

32. Character Vs. Supernatural The protagonist in the story experiences conflict with unnatural elements .

33. Character Vs. Fate When the protagonist tries to break free of a predetermined path chosen before him prior to his knowledge. It can also be referred to as an issue between destiny and freewill.