Elements of a Story

Setting is the “where and when”
of a story.

Functions

To create a mood or
atmosphere
- To show a reader a
different way of life
- To make action seem
more real
- To be the source of
conflict or struggle
- To symbolize an idea

the central, general message, the main idea, the controlling
topic

The conclusion; all loose
ends are tied up.

A character from the story is telling the
story; uses the pronouns “I” and “me”

outside narrator is telling the story;
uses the pronouns “he”, “she”, “they”

Types

The narrator knows the
thoughts and feelings
on only ONE character
in a story.

The narrator knows the
thoughts and feeling of
ALL the characters in a
story.

The person, animals, and things participating in a story

divides into

main character of the story, This person is not necessary “good”.

this person may not be “bad” or
“evil”, but he/she opposes the protagonist in a
significant way

organized
pattern or sequence of
events that make up a story.^

introduction; characters, setting and
conflict are introduced

events that occur as result of
central conflict

highest point of interest or suspense of a
story

tension eases; events show the
results of how the main character begins to resolve
the conflict

loose ends are tied up; the conflict is
solved

Conflict is the dramatic struggle
between two forces in a story. Without
conflict, there is no plot.

Conflicts can be

outside force may be
person, group, animal, nature, or a
nonhuman obstacle

takes place in a
character’s mind