Understanding Literary Elements: Conflict, Plot, & Point-of-View Understanding Literary Elements: Conflict, Plot, & Point-of-View

A. Types of Conflict A. Types of Conflict

Conflict is the struggle that drives a story forward, creating tension and interest. Conflict is the struggle that drives a story forward, creating tension and interest.
 External Conflict: A character's struggle against an outside force.  External Conflict: A character's struggle against an outside force.
1. Character vs. Character: A hero fights a villain, or friends argue. 1. Character vs. Character: A hero fights a villain, or friends argue.
2. Character vs. Nature: A sailor battles a storm, or hikers are lost in a blizzard. 2. Character vs. Nature: A sailor battles a storm, or hikers are lost in a blizzard.
3. Character vs. Society: Someone fights an unjust law or stands against 3. Character vs. Society: Someone fights an unjust law or stands against
prejudice. prejudice.
4. Character vs. Technology: A human battles a rogue AI or machines. 4. Character vs. Technology: A human battles a rogue AI or machines.
 Internal Conflict: A struggle within a character's own mind.  Internal Conflict: A struggle within a character's own mind.
1. Character vs. Self: A character debates a moral dilemma or overcomes fear. 1. Character vs. Self: A character debates a moral dilemma or overcomes fear.
B. Plot B. Plot
The plot is the sequence of events in a story. It's how the author organizes actions The plot is the sequence of events in a story. It's how the author organizes actions
for the reader. Most plots follow this structure: for the reader. Most plots follow this structure:
Exposition: Introduces the setting, characters, and basic situation. Exposition: Introduces the setting, characters, and basic situation.
Rising Action: The central conflict begins, and events build tension toward the Rising Action: The central conflict begins, and events build tension toward the
climax. climax.
Climax: The turning point; the most intense moment where the main conflict is Climax: The turning point; the most intense moment where the main conflict is
faced, and its outcome becomes clear. faced, and its outcome becomes clear.
Falling Action: Events after the climax, where tension decreases as Falling Action: Events after the climax, where tension decreases as
consequences unfold. consequences unfold.
Resolution: The end of the main conflict, tying up loose ends and concluding the Resolution: The end of the main conflict, tying up loose ends and concluding the
story. story.
C. Point-of-View (POV) C. Point-of-View (POV)
Point-of-View is the perspective from which a story is told, determining who Point-of-View is the perspective from which a story is told, determining who
narrates and how much information the reader gets. narrates and how much information the reader gets.
First-Person POV: First-Person POV:
 Told by a character using "I," "me."  Told by a character using "I," "me."
 Advantage: Deep connection to the narrator's thoughts.  Advantage: Deep connection to the narrator's thoughts.
 Disadvantage: Limited to what the narrator knows; can be biased.  Disadvantage: Limited to what the narrator knows; can be biased.
 Example: "I walked down the lonely street, my heart pounding."  Example: "I walked down the lonely street, my heart pounding."
Second-Person POV: Second-Person POV:
 Narrator addresses the reader using "you."  Narrator addresses the reader using "you."
 Rare in fiction; common in instructions.  Rare in fiction; common in instructions.
 Example: "You open the door and step into the dimly lit room."  Example: "You open the door and step into the dimly lit room."
Third-Person POV: Third-Person POV:
 Told by an outside narrator using "he," "she," "they."  Told by an outside narrator using "he," "she," "they."
 Third-Person Omniscient: Narrator knows everything about all characters'  Third-Person Omniscient: Narrator knows everything about all characters'
thoughts and feelings. thoughts and feelings.
 Example: "Sarah felt sadness, while Mark, unbeknownst to her, harbored hope."  Example: "Sarah felt sadness, while Mark, unbeknownst to her, harbored hope."

Third-Person Limited: Narrator focuses on only one character's thoughts and Third-Person Limited: Narrator focuses on only one character's thoughts and
feelings. feelings.
Example: "He looked at the castle, fear in his stomach. He wondered what awaited Example: "He looked at the castle, fear in his stomach. He wondered what awaited
him." him."
Third-Person Objective: Narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, like a Third-Person Objective: Narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, like a
camera. camera.
Example: "The man walked quickly. He carried a briefcase and glanced over his Example: "The man walked quickly. He carried a briefcase and glanced over his
shoulder." shoulder."
Why it matters: POV controls information and influences your connection to the Why it matters: POV controls information and influences your connection to the
story. story.

Exploring Stories: Characters and Characterization (Remember this with the word: STEAL!)
A. Characters: The "Who" in the Story Examples of STEAL:
Characters are the people, animals, or even creatures that do things and Speech: "I'm not scared of anything, ever!" (Clue: They're brave, or maybe showing
experience events in a story. They make stories exciting! off.)
TYPES OF CHARACTERS Thoughts: Oh no, everyone's looking at me. I wish I could disappear. (Clue: They're
 Protagonist (Main Character): shy or embarrassed.)
- The most important character. Effect on others: When he walked in, everyone stopped laughing. (Clue: He's scary
- The story is mostly about them and their big problem or journey. or very serious.)
-Think: Harry Potter, Moana. Actions: She spent hours helping her little brother with his homework. (Clue: She's
 Antagonist (Opponent): patient and helpful.)
- The character or thing that fights against the main character. Looks: His torn old coat and worn shoes showed he didn't have much money. (Clue:
- They create challenges for the main character. He's poor.)
- Think: A villain, a big storm, or even a tricky puzzle. Why is characterization important? Good characterization makes characters feel
 Round (Real-Life Characters): real, complex, and memorable. It allows us to understand why characters act the
-These characters feel like real people. They have many different sides – good way they do and helps us connect with the story on a deeper level.
and bad.
-You learn a lot about their feelings and thoughts. Your Turn! Read The Four Friends and The Hunter, another tale from
-Think: Most main characters are "round" because you get to know them well. Panchatantra, and fill in the table below with the characters from the story. Cite
 Flat (Simple Characters): their actions or lines, describe their character or how they are portrayed, and
-These characters are easy to understand because they usually have only one or identify the method of characterization. Do this in your notebook.
two main traits.
- They're not very deep. Characters Actions/Lines Characterization/ Method of
- Think: A grumpy guard who is only grumpy. Portrayal Characterization
 Dynamic (Changing Characters): Rat Slipped into a small Resourceful, Quick, Indirect (Actions)
-A character who grows or changes inside during the story. hole nearby. Brave, Loyal, Effective.
-They might learn a big lesson or change their mind about something important. Reached the sack and
-Think: Someone who starts out selfish and becomes kind by the end. quickly tore it with his
 Static( Unchanging Characters): teeth, freeing the
-A character who stays the exact same throughout the whole story.
turtle.
-They don't change their personality or beliefs, no matter what happens.
Hunter "Even though the Disappointed (initially), Direct (Narrator's
-Think: A loyal sidekick who's always loyal, no matter what.
hunter was Happy (with small Statement about
B. Characterization: How We Learn About Them disappointed that he catch), feelings),
Characterization is how writers show you what a character is like, instead of just could not catch a
telling you. They give you clues! bigger animal, he was
Direct Characterization (Author Tells You): happy that he had
-The writer tells you straight up about a character's personality. caught something at
- Example: "She was a very brave girl." (The author just says she's brave.) least."
Indirect Characterization (Author Shows You - You Guess!): 1.
The writer gives you clues about a character through their: 2.
Speech (what they say) 3.
Thoughts (what they think) 4.
Effect on others (how people react to them) 5.
Actions (what they do)
Looks (how they look)

Characters and Conflict 7. Carlos paid attention to the alerts on TV about Whooping cough (Pertussis), a respiratory system
Instructions:For each story, identify the main and opposing characters, then determine the core conflict infection triggered by the bordetella pertussis bacteria. Rather than getting worried, he decided to
driving the narrative. research the illness to educate himself and assist those around him.
1. James and Christine have recently settled into their new home in the countryside. Only three days Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________
after moving in, they discovered that the tomatoes they had recently planted in their yard had been Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________
pulled out. Upon reviewing their security camera footage, they observed their neighbor's chickens
causing the mischief. 8. Efren and Jeff assure each other that they are fully committed to reaching their objectives, even if it
Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________ means reporting on each other. With a promotion on the line for just one of them, the idea of them
Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________ assisting each other couldn't be further from reality.
Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________
2. Mila, a grade 10 student, will finish her Junio High School in two months. Sadly, distractions from Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________
social media have caused her to fall behind in her studies. To ensure she can participate in the ceremony
in June, her mother hired a tutor to assist her in Math and TLE. Will Mila be able to catch up in time for 9. Jason extended an invitation to Zefrey to join a special ceremonial event in their hometown. At the
the celebration? communal gathering, Zefrey was offered a traditional dish called watwat, consisting of plain boiled pork.
Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________ However, Zefrey declined to eat it due to its preparation method. In response, Jason advised Zefrey
Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________ against rejecting the watwat, emphasizing its significance as an integral part of the tribal customs and
traditions.
3. Rico teamed up with his classmates to explore a deserted piece of land as a component of their Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________
qualitative investigation. He observed that the atmosphere in that location felt chilly even though it was Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________
actually a hot afternoon. Additionally, he witnessed peculiar noises and mysterious motions in the
vicinity. The unsettling sensation became unbearable for him, compelling him to leave the area. 10. Gina and her team were chosen by the school district to be the city's representatives in the regional
Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________ science fair. She had all the necessary documents prepared, but they were informed that they needed to
Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________ do a Media- Enhanced Science project, involving various multimedia elements. Gina then decided to
speak to the school superintendent to let her know that their group would no longer be participating in
4. Delia is experiencing intense pain from a significant knee injury sustained in a car crash while traveling the competition.
to the province. She has been absent from work for three months and is already feeling the impact of Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________
her condition. As an athletic coach, she faces a tough decision as she worries about the possibility of Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________
never walking normally again. Fortunately, her family and friends provide unwavering support every day.
Can Delia remain optimistic and find a way through this challenging time? Synthesis/Extended Practice/Differentiation
Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________
Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________ Poem Prompt: Consider this Reflection. When conflicts come to mention, How do you find resolution?
Express in poetic rendition.
5. Mrs. Baryan discovered a documentary about the 17 sustainable development goals for her English 10
class to view and enhance their essay on civic engagement. She watched the film twice beforehand and
checked the classroom devices to ensure they were functioning properly. However, on the day of the
screening, her laptop malfunctioned, and the internet connection was unreliable.
Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________
Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________

6. Tony gathered a team in his neighborhood to meet with the city Mayor and talk about the ongoing
construction of tall buildings in the earthquake-prone city. When they arrived for the meeting, the city
council refused them a chance to speak to the Mayor, claiming there was no legal justification.
Protagonist: _______________________________ Antagonist: _____________________________
Conflict: __________________________________ Explanation: _____________________________
 Story Journey: Understanding the PLOT! Story Journey: Understanding the PLOT!
Every story takes us on a trip! The PLOT is just what Every story takes us on a trip! The PLOT is just what
happens in the story, step by step, from beginning to end. happens in the story, step by step, from beginning to end.
It's the path the story takes! It's the path the story takes!
The 6 Main Parts of a Story's Plot: The 6 Main Parts of a Story's Plot:
 Exposition (The Start):  Exposition (The Start):
What it is: The very beginning. What it is: The very beginning.
What you learn: Who the characters are and where/when What you learn: Who the characters are and where/when
the story takes place. the story takes place.
Example: Meet the three little pigs building their houses. Example: Meet the three little pigs building their houses.
 Inciting Incident (The Spark!):  Inciting Incident (The Spark!):
What it is: The moment the main problem or adventure What it is: The moment the main problem or adventure
starts. starts.
What happens: Something big changes that kicks off the What happens: Something big changes that kicks off the
story. story.
Example: The Big Bad Wolf shows up, wanting to blow Example: The Big Bad Wolf shows up, wanting to blow
down houses! down houses!
 Rising Action (Building Up!):  Rising Action (Building Up!):
What it is: The story gets more exciting and tense. What it is: The story gets more exciting and tense.
What happens: Characters face problems and challenges, What happens: Characters face problems and challenges,
building towards the biggest moment. building towards the biggest moment.
Example: The wolf blows down the straw house, then the Example: The wolf blows down the straw house, then the
stick house. The pigs run to the brick house. stick house. The pigs run to the brick house.
 Climax (The BIG Moment!):  Climax (The BIG Moment!):
What it is: The most exciting and important part of the What it is: The most exciting and important part of the
story. story.
What happens: The main problem is finally faced head-on. What happens: The main problem is finally faced head-on.
It's the turning point! It's the turning point!
Example: The wolf tries to blow down the brick house, Example: The wolf tries to blow down the brick house,
then tries to go down the chimney, falling into the boiling then tries to go down the chimney, falling into the boiling
pot! pot!
 Falling Action (Calming Down):  Falling Action (Calming Down):
What it is: Events that happen right after the "BIG What it is: Events that happen right after the "BIG
Moment." Moment."
What happens: The excitement settles, and you see the What happens: The excitement settles, and you see the
first results of the climax. first results of the climax.
Example: The wolf runs away, howling in pain. The pigs Example: The wolf runs away, howling in pain. The pigs
are safe. are safe.
 Resolution (The End):  Resolution (The End):
What it is: The very end of the story. What it is: The very end of the story.
What happens: The main problem is solved, and the story What happens: The main problem is solved, and the story
wraps up. wraps up.
Example: The three little pigs live happily ever after in Example: The three little pigs live happily ever after in
their safe brick house. their safe brick house.

Story Journey: Understanding the PLOT! Story Journey: Understanding the PLOT!
Every story takes us on a trip! The PLOT is just what Every story takes us on a trip! The PLOT is just what
happens in the story, step by step, from beginning to end. happens in the story, step by step, from beginning to end.
It's the path the story takes! It's the path the story takes!
The 6 Main Parts of a Story's Plot: The 6 Main Parts of a Story's Plot:
 Exposition (The Start):  Exposition (The Start):
What it is: The very beginning. What it is: The very beginning.
What you learn: Who the characters are and where/when What you learn: Who the characters are and where/when
the story takes place. the story takes place.
Example: Meet the three little pigs building their houses. Example: Meet the three little pigs building their houses.
 Inciting Incident (The Spark!):  Inciting Incident (The Spark!):
What it is: The moment the main problem or adventure What it is: The moment the main problem or adventure
starts. starts.
What happens: Something big changes that kicks off the What happens: Something big changes that kicks off the
story. story.
Example: The Big Bad Wolf shows up, wanting to blow Example: The Big Bad Wolf shows up, wanting to blow
down houses! down houses!
 Rising Action (Building Up!):  Rising Action (Building Up!):
What it is: The story gets more exciting and tense. What it is: The story gets more exciting and tense.
What happens: Characters face problems and challenges, What happens: Characters face problems and challenges,
building towards the biggest moment. building towards the biggest moment.
Example: The wolf blows down the straw house, then the Example: The wolf blows down the straw house, then the
stick house. The pigs run to the brick house. stick house. The pigs run to the brick house.
 Climax (The BIG Moment!):  Climax (The BIG Moment!):
What it is: The most exciting and important part of the What it is: The most exciting and important part of the
story. story.
What happens: The main problem is finally faced head-on. What happens: The main problem is finally faced head-on.
It's the turning point! It's the turning point!
Example: The wolf tries to blow down the brick house, Example: The wolf tries to blow down the brick house,
then tries to go down the chimney, falling into the boiling then tries to go down the chimney, falling into the boiling
pot! pot!
 Falling Action (Calming Down):  Falling Action (Calming Down):
What it is: Events that happen right after the "BIG What it is: Events that happen right after the "BIG
Moment." Moment."
What happens: The excitement settles, and you see the What happens: The excitement settles, and you see the
first results of the climax. first results of the climax.
Example: The wolf runs away, howling in pain. The pigs Example: The wolf runs away, howling in pain. The pigs
are safe. are safe.
 Resolution (The End):  Resolution (The End):
What it is: The very end of the story. What it is: The very end of the story.
What happens: The main problem is solved, and the story What happens: The main problem is solved, and the story
wraps up. wraps up.
Example: The three little pigs live happily ever after in Example: The three little pigs live happily ever after in
their safe brick house. their safe brick house.