What are the elements of fiction?

Every work of fiction (novel, short story, etc.) has 5

major elements of fiction:
Conflict
Characters
Theme
Plot
Setting

Use this power point to read and review details

about each element of fiction!

Conflict: the main problem or issue in

the story.
The two major types of conflict are external and internal.
Internal: the character must overcome elements of his
own personality.
man vs. himself

External: the character must overcome outside

elements.
man vs. man
man vs. environment
man vs. society
man vs. nature

Characters: People (or animals/other

creatures) involved in the story.
Major characters are the main characters of the story, and
minor characters are lesser characters of the story.
Protagonist: the main character in the story that is
typically good.
Antagonist: the character working against the protagonist.
Direct characterization: The author tells us DIRECTLY
what the character if like.
Indirect characterization: The author shows us the
character in action. We have to infer from what the
character thinks, says, or does.
In order for a character to be realistic, he must be
consistent, motivated, and plausible (life-like).

Theme: This is the author's central purpose

in their writing; their statement about life.
The author not only wants us to understand
his/her purpose but also feel it emotionally.
Theme is always hinted at through the
characters experiences and the plot.
Ask yourself, what is the overall message to
the story? to understand the theme.

Plot: The series of events in a story.

Introduction - The beginning introduces the characters
and setting. The conflict is usually introduced as well.
Rising Action- The events that explain the main
problem or conflict. This is a large portion of the story.
Climax- This is when the problem reaches a high point.
Falling Action- This is when the characters work to
solve the problem or conflict.
Resolution The conflict is solved and the story ends.

Plot Diagram aka Story Mountain

Setting: when and where the story

happens or takes place.
The setting deals with both when (past,
present, or future) the story takes place and
where in the world. (A city, a country, etc.)
Sometimes the setting is not directly stated
but implied through description.

Point of View: The perspective the

story is told from.
There are many types or styles or Point of View,
but some common ones are:
First Person: this POV uses I and is usually told
from the main characters perspective.
Third Person Omniscient: this POV uses he she
and they and can see all characters thoughts
and feelings.
Third Person Objective: this POV uses he she
and they but cannot tell what characters are
thinking and feeling.