The Elements of Storytelling/Narrative UPDATED

Plot: The sequence of events that unfolds around a conflict, or struggle between opposing forces.

Characters: The people, animals, or imaginary creatures that take part in the action of a story.

Setting: The time and place in which the events occur.

Theme: The message about life or human nature that the writer wishes to convey to the reader.

Point of view is the narrative method used to tell a story. The two basic points of view are first-person and third-person.

Dialogue is written conversation between two or more characters.

Suspense is the excitement that involves readers in a story and motivates them to discover its outcome.

Voice is the distinctive style in which a writer tells a story.

Elements of Plot

Exposition gives background information about characters, conflict, and setting

Rising action is when suspense builds because complications arise that make the conflict more difficult for the main characters to resolve

Climax is the turning point of the action, when the reader’s interest peaks

Falling action or resolution is when the conflict ends and loose ends are tied up