2. Title of a story
The title may focus the
readers attention on the
central character, or may
give a clue to the authors
purpose or basic idea.
Direct
Metaphorical
Combined
3. Theme
Main idea or message an author wishes to share
The “moral” of the story
Novels often have more than one theme
Rarely stated directly. The reader has to interpret.
4. Setting
the time, place and period in which the
action takes place.
The Catcher in the
Rye:New York,
1940s
Lord of the Flies:
deserted island, the
future.
The Bean Trees:
Arizona/Oklahoma
1980s.
Setting: can establish the atmosphere of a work.
5. Plot
Chain of related event that make up
the story.
Plot centers on at least one major
problem or conflict.
6. Climax (conflict and tension reach a
peak, and characters realize their
mistake, etc.)
Rising
Action
(conflict and
suspense
build through
a series of
events).
Exposition =
Introduction
(characters
and setting are
introduced.)
Falling Action
(conflict gets worked
out and tensions
lessen.)
Resolution
(conflict is
resolved and
themes are
established.)
7. Plot
Exposition: Introductory material giving setting, tone,
characters
Rising Action: series of complications leading up to the
climax
Conflict: Person vs…Person, Nature, Society, Supernatural,
Self
Crisis/Climax: Turning point in the conflict—moment of
highest interest and/or emotion
Falling Action: Events after the climax which close the
story.
Resolution (Denouement): Concludes the action
13. Conflict
The major problem in a story.
Internal
person vs. self
External
person vs. person
person vs. society
person vs. nature
person vs. machine
person vs. religion
