Elements of a Story

Unit 1

All stories contain a number of elements (parts) in order for readers to understand and know what is happening throughout the story.

Some of the key elements are:

• Plot• Conflict (problem)• Setting• Theme• Character• Point of view

Character

His/her physical appearance

 What he/she

doesor does not do

  

What he/she says, thinks,

feels and dreams

 

What others say about him/her

and how others react to him/her

The author may reveal a character in several ways:

There are two types of key characters:

• Protagonist: the central figure of a story, and is often referred to as a story's main character.

• Antagonist: is the character of a story who works against the heroes and/or protagonists.

Protagonist or Antagonist?

Create an opinion paragraph

Task: Write an opinion paragraph about your favourite hero.

1) Use your chart to determine your favourite hero.2) Make a topic sentence (first sentence) of your paragraph.

“My favourite hero is…3) Select items from your chart as evidence to support your

idea.4) Edit your writing for spelling and clarity.5) Submit to the teacher.

CharacterUnit 1

Review from yesterday’s class

What are 6 elements of a short story?

• Plot• Theme• Character• Conflict• Setting• Point of view

Name 4 ways you get to know a character.• His/her physical appearance•What he/she does or does not do•What he/she says, thinks, feels and

dreams•What others say about him/her and how

others react to him/her

What are the 2 types of characters?• Protagonist

• antagonist

What is a protagonist? What is an antagonist?• Protagonist=hero, the main character who

you want to see win

• Antagonist= villain, the character who works against the main character

Traits and Stereotyping

• We all have different traits that make up our personalities and appearance.• Authors use traits to make us visualize and

understand their characters.• However, these traits can often lead to

stereotyping.Ex. Blondes, athletes

Consider the following examples?

Famous characters• Decide the traits of each character and the possible

stereotype.

The Big Bang Theory Characters

Homer Simpson

Snow White

Spiderman

Conflict• Conflict- the struggle between two or more people or things,

involving the main character (The WHY of the story)

Types of Conflict

•Internal Force:

Character versus himself (example: character feels regret or sorrow)

•External Force:

Character versus character (example: fist fight)

Character versus society (example: prejudice) Character versus nature (example: flood)

Character versus beast/animal (example: shark attack)

What type of conflict is each example?

Individual Task• Name two conflicts you have experienced and the type of

conflict that each is.

Type of Conflict Who or what was involved?

Setting• Setting- The time and place of the story.

Why is setting important?• Where we live may influence our personality, values, attitudes• How has your home influenced your personality, values or

attitude? (Give 3 examples)---

Setting should appeal to the sense

Setting Sketch• Listen to the passage carefully.• Sketch the setting that is being described.

Read “Kath and Mouse” pg. 46

Pre-Reading1. Do you think bullies live in fear?2. Why do you think people become bullies?3. Do you know someone who has been bullied?4. What is foreshadowing?

After ReadingAnswer the ‘Responding’ Questions on the bottom of page 51

Setting in “Kath and Mouse”• Complete the setting graphic organizer• Include as many details from the story as you can