Literary Elements FICTION A short story is a

Literary Elements

FICTION • A short story is a short piece of fiction. A novel is also fiction. • Fiction are stories or novels that are not true. They may be based on a certain time or place, but the events and characters are creations of the author. • Both contain certain elements that make up the “story” or plot.

A short story is a short piece of fiction. A novel is also fiction. Both contain certain elements that make up the “story” or plot. Learn the literary elements of short stories through the classic “Cinderella”

Setting • Setting is the WHERE/place and WHEN/time of the story’s action.

The setting in “Cinderella” • The story takes place a long time ago in a land ruled by a king and a queen.

Characters • Characters are the actors in a story’s plot. They can be people, animals, or whatever the writer chooses. • The protagonist is the main character usually the “good guy”. • The antagonist is the person in conflict with the main character, often the “bad guy”. Not all stories have antagonists.

Characters in “Cinderella” • The main characters are Cinderella, the stepsisters, their mother, the fairy godmother, and the prince. • Protagonist: Cinderella • Antagonist: the stepsisters, their mother

Theme • Theme is the central idea or message of a story, often a perception about life or human nature. • The theme of “Cinderella” is that if you are in a bad situation, you should do the best that you can. In the end, things will work out for you.

Plot • Plot is the sequence of events in a story. Each event causes or leads to the next. Plot is often created through conflict, a struggle between opposing forces. • An external conflict is one between a character and an outside force, such as another character, nature, society, or fate. • An internal conflict takes place within the mind of a character who is torn between opposing feelings or between different courses of action.

Problem and Conflict in “Cinderella” • Problem: Cinderella wants to go to the ball, but her stepsisters prevent her from going. • Conflict: The conflict is external—Cinderella versus the stepsisters and their mother.

Types of Conflict • Conflict is generally categorized in the following ways: – Person versus Person: this is an external struggle between two characters – Person versus Fate: this is an external struggle between a character and his or her destiny or act of a god – Person versus Nature: this is an external struggle between a character and some natural obstacle or natural condition – Person versus Supernatural this is an external struggle between a character and a ghost or supernatural being. – Person versus Society: this is an external struggle between a character and a social force or condition produced by society, such as poverty, political revolution, or a set of values – Person versus Self: this is an internal struggle within a character, where aspects of his or her personality may struggle for dominance. These aspects may be emotional, intellectual, or moral.

The Five Stages of Plot • Exposition introduces the story’s characters, setting, and conflict. • Rising action occurs as complications, twists, or intensifications of the conflict occur. • Climax is the emotional high point of the story. • Falling action is the logical result of the climax. • Resolution presents the final outcome of the story.

The 5 Stages of plot in Cinderella A fairy Cinderella lives with her stepsisters and their mother. they make her wear rags and do all the hard work. An invitation to the ball arrives. godmother appears and provides Cinderella with clothes, a coach, and footman. Cinderella dances with the prince, but leaves hurriedly at midnight; losing a slipper Cinderella goes to the ball. The stepsisters go to the ball. The stepsisters try to force their feet into the slipper. It fits Cinderella. The prince says he will marry the woman whom the slipper fits. Cinderella and the prince marry. They live happily ever after.