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You need: A pencil, eraser, scissors, glue stick, highlighter and your English duo-tang

Speak Out! What Makes a Good Story?

Elements of a Story SETTING CONFLICT CHARACTERS PLOT

Setting • The setting is both the time and geographic location within a narrative • A literary element, the setting helps initiate the main backdrop and mood for a story

Character • A character is a person or other being in a narrative • A protagonist is the leading character or one of the major characters • An antagonist is a character who actively opposes or is hostile towards another

Conflict • Conflict is the challenge main characters need to face or solve to achieve their goals. • It adds uncertainty (will the goal be achieved? ) • A narrative is not limited to a single conflict

Conflict – Character vs. • Self • Character • Society • Nature • Machine/Technology • Fate/Supernatural

Character vs. Self • Conflict happens internally, taking place within the mind of the main character • Often involves a decision between right and wrong, or other mixed emotions

Character vs. Character • Most common form of external conflict • Places the struggle directly between the protagonist and antagonist

Character vs. Society • Occurs when the protagonist is at odds with a larger group or cultural tradition (including societal norms)

Character vs. Nature • Pits the main character or group of characters against the forces of nature • Often in the form of a natural disaster or similarly dangerous situation

Character vs. Machine/Technology • Can mean that a person is in direct combat with robots, or that technology stands in the way of the protagonist

Character vs. Fate/Supernatural • The protagonist is struggling against something that is not normal in some way • Some supernatural elements include ghosts, omens, and superstitions

Plot • Plot refers to the sequence of events inside a story that affect one another

Plot The exposition is the insertion of important background information within a story, including: The inciting incident is an episode, plot point or event that hooks the reader into the story. • Setting • Characters’ backstories • Prior plot events • Historical context This moment is when the protagonist is pushed into the main action of the story.

Plot In the rising action, a series of events builds toward the point of greatest interest (climax). The climax is the point during a narrative when the action or conflict reaches its peak. Rising action helps create suspense, interest and tension in a narrative. The climax leads to the story’s falling action and resolution.

Plot Falling action follows the The denouement is the final climax and comes before part of a narrative where the very end of a narrative. strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or The main problem of the resolved. story is resolved and loose ends are tied up. Falling action leads to the The narrative comes to an denouement. end.

7 Archetypal Plots • Overcoming the Monster • Rags to Riches • The Quest • Voyage & Return • Comedy • Tragedy • Rebirth

Overcoming the Monster The protagonist sets out to defeat an antagonistic force (often evil) which threatens the protagonist and/or protagonist’s homeland

Rags to Riches The poor protagonist acquires power, wealth and/or love, loses it all and gains it back, growing as a person as a result

The Quest The protagonist and companions set out to acquire an important object or to get to a location. They face temptations and other obstacles along the way

Comedy Featuring a light and humorous character with a happy or cheerful ending. Comedy is more than just humor; it refers to a pattern where the conflict becomes more and more confusing, but is made clear in a single clarifying event

Tragedy The protagonist’s flaw or great mistake is their undoing. Their unfortunate end evokes pity at their foolishness and the fall of a fundamentally good character

Rebirth An event forces the main character to change their ways and often become a better person

Setting It Up • Cut out each setting card • Read and determine if the card is describing a time, place, or season • Glue the card to its corresponding setting

Setting It Up: Time 1. I have an extremely important appointment at 9: 15 a. m. , and I cannot be late. 2. The sun was at its peak in the sky, and my stomach began to grumble. 3. The alarm began to buzz. I couldn’t believe it was time to get up. 4. The stars were glowing brightly in the night sky. I gazed up, searching for a shooting star.

Setting It Up: Place 1. The sand felt amazing between my toes. I couldn’t wait to construct a sand castle using the tools on the beach. 2. We were finally there – I couldn’t wait to feel the thrill of the rides and devour cotton candy. 3. The fresh air smelled wonderful, and it was amazing to see how big the trees were. I couldn’t wait to set up my tent. 4. The enormous house was so colorful that it lit up the dark sky, and seeing the colors made me feel warm and cozy inside.

Setting It Up: Season 1. The dazzling pumpkins were in full bloom, and there was a crisp chill in the air. 2. It is the final day of class, and I can’t wait to spend my free time swimming and hanging out with friends. 3. The trees are decorated, and all the houses are so colorful and covered with lights. I love this time of year! 4. “Going outside will require gloves, a scarf, and a hat!” my mother yelled from the kitchen.

Character Traits Cards • Cut out the description and character trait cards • Read each description card and highlight the hints that tell you what trait they are • Match up each description with a character trait

Character Trait Cards • Jessica is fair • Marcus is curious • Leonard was brave • Jeremy was polite • Patty is helpful • Alexandra is grouchy • Brady was impatient • Donna was selfish • Taylor is gentle • Mrs. Kline is busy

Planning Your Narrative • Complete the Character Collage worksheet for your story’s protagonist • Complete the Set the Scene worksheet for your story’s setting