1. Elements of Fiction
Prof. Doron

2. Author’s Purpose
-his or her reason for creating a work. The
purpose may be to explain or inform,
entertain, persuade, or reveal an
important truth.

3. Characters
-a person, an animal, or an imaginary creature that
takes the part in the action of the story.
Characterization - the
techniques an author uses to
develop the personality of a character in a
literary work.
An author can give information about a
character by describing several aspects of the
character:

4. Characters, continued
– physical appearance and personality
– speech, behavior , and actions
– thoughts and feelings
– interactions with other characters

5. Characters, continued
Character Types-
Protagonist- the main character
of the story that is most central to
the action of the story.
Antagonist- the person or thing
working against the protagonist,
or hero, in the story.

6. Static Characters-
characters that stay the
same throughout the
story.
Dynamic Characters-
characters that change
and learn something
during the story.
Flat – very few personality traits,
do not change throughout the
story, sometimes can be symbols
or stereotypes
Round –convincing and true to life,
many different personality traits,
usually undergo a change during
the story
Characters, continued

7. Setting
-the time and place in which the action
occurs. Look for clues in the opening
paragraphs of the story or novel.

8. Point of View
-the perspective or vantage point from which
an author presents a story.
• 1st person- the story is told by one of the
characters in the story. The character uses the
pronouns I and we.
• 3rd person- the story is told by the narrator who
stands outside of the story and observes the
events as they unfold. The narrator uses the
pronouns she, he, and they.

9. Plot
-the action or sequence of events in a story.
It is based on a key conflict.
There are five basic parts of plot-

10. Plot, continued
• Exposition- the first part of the story. The author
establishes the setting, introduces characters, gives
additional background information.
• Rising Action/Complications- the series of conflicts or
struggles that build a story toward its climax. Tension rises.
• Climax- the high point, or turning point, of a story. It is the
most intense point. A decision is made that will decide the
outcome of the conflict.
• Falling Action- the action that works out the decision arrived
at during the climax. The conflict is –or begins to be –settled.
• Resolution- the ending. It ties up loose ends and brings the
story to a close.

11. Theme
-the statement about life that the author
wants to share with the reader. Often
times, the reader will have to make
inferences or reasonable guesses as to
the theme of the story.
Helpful hint- Ask yourself what lesson the main
character learned in the story?

12. -An image/object in a story that is
used repeatedly and carries a
deeper meaning.
Universal Symbols:
water = purity
black clouds = evil approaching
Symbolism