Title: Elements of a Story
1Elements of a Story
setting
theme
- Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
point of view
plot
characters
2I. Plot
- The series of events that make up a story
- Usually built around a central conflict (problem
or struggles) - Four Stages of Plot
- 1-Exposition
- 2-Rising Action
- 3-Climax
- 4-Falling Action
- 5-Resolution
3Plot Diagram
3
4
2
1
5
4- 1. Exposition
- Introduces the characters,
- setting, background
- information of the story.
- Often the conflict is
- introduced.
5 2. Rising Action
- This part of the story begins to develop the
- conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense
occurs. Story becomes more and more complicated
as the conflict develops.
63. Climax
- This is the turning point of the story. Usually
the main character comes face to face with a
conflict. Outcome of the conflict is decided.
The main character will change in some way.
74. Falling Action
- All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The
conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.
85. Resolution
- The story comes to a reasonable ending.
9Putting It All Together
1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4.
Falling Action 5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story
10Applying Plot to Eleven
- What is the big conflict in the story, Eleven?
- Is it the sweater? Is it Mrs. Price? Is it
Sylvia? Is it Rachel?
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11II. Characters
- 1. People, animals and imaginary creatures who
take part in the action of the story. - Traits- Characters are revealed by their traits
or qualities. You can learn about the characters
traits by paying attention to their speech,
thoughts, actions of other characters, writers
direct statements, and their physical
characteristics.
Main Characters- Action centered on one important character, also called the Protagonist-pushes toward something. Minor Characters- Less important characters-they interact with main character and help the story move along. Could be the antagonist- bad guy pushes against the protagonist and tries to block him/her from reaching his goal.
12Applying Character to Eleven
- EX Thats not, I dont, youre notNot mine, I
finally say in a little voice that was maybe me
when I was four. Page 28 - Based on this quote what can you infer about
Rachels character traits/qualities? - Shy/outgoing-Which word best describes Rachel,
why?
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13Affect of Qualities of character on plot and
resolution of conflict
- How does Rachels character traits (qualities)
affect (influence) the story line?...the end?
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14III. Setting
- The time and place in which a story occurs.
- Ex. Past, present, future, day or night, may be
imaginary or real. - A writers vivid and descriptions help readers
picture the setting. The setting can influence
characters actions, and often plays the role of
the conflicts that develop and how they are
resolved.
15Applying Setting to Eleven
- What is the setting in Eleven? How do you know?
- The setting in Eleven is in Rachels math
classroom. We know this because the narrator,
Rachel, talks about Mrs. Price her teacher, her
desk, other students, and bell rings for lunch,
therefore, we can infer that the setting is at
school.
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16Affect of setting on plot
- How does the setting in Eleven effect (influence)
the story?
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17IV. Point of View
- Stories are often written from a particular
viewpoint. - Viewpoint determines readers understanding of
the characters and events of the story. - 1st person vs. 3rd person
18Applying Point of View to Eleven
- Whose point of view is the story told from?
- What if the story was told from another
characters point of view? How would this alter
the story line? - The point of view influences how the reader will
react or respond.
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19V. External and Internal Conflict
- First of all, what is a conflict?A conflict is a
struggle (problem) between opposing forces.
Almost every story is built around a central
conflict faced by the main character. An
External Conflict is a struggle between a
character and an outside force, such as society,
nature, or another character. - -character vs. character
- -character vs. society
- -character vs. nature
- An Internal Conflict is a struggle within the
characters mind. It may occur when the character
has to make a decision or deal with opposing
feelings. (Character vs. self)
20Conflict in Eleven
- External Conflict? Character vs. Character-
Rachel is in conflict with Mrs. Price or/and
Sylvia Salvidar? - Internal Conflict? What is the conflict within
Rachel?
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21VI. Theme
friendship
justice
- The meaning or moral of a story.
- Writers create themes to express their ideas
about life and human nature. Most themes are not
stated openly. - Some clues to a storys theme
- -the title
- -the actions, thoughts, and words of the
characters - -the conflicts in the story
- -the setting and the images the writer creates
22Applying Theme to Eleven
- What is the theme in Eleven?
- The theme in Eleven could be
-
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23VII. Figurative Language
- Figurative language is a tool that an author
employs (or uses) to help the reader visualize
(or see) what is happening in a story or poem.
Some common types of figurative language are
simile, metaphor, alliteration, onomatopoeia,
idiom, puns, and sensory language. In this class,
we will cover imagery, simile, metaphor,
personification and idioms.
24- Imagery is when the reader uses descriptive words
that appeal to the readers senses. - A simile is a comparison using like or as. It
usually compares 2 dissimilar objects - EXAMPLE
- His feet were as big as boats
- We are comparing _______ to _______, which means
they are probably _______!!! - A metaphor states that one thing IS something
else. It is a comparison, but it does NOT use
like or as to make the comparison. - EXAMPLE
- Her hair is silk. The sentence is comparing (or
stating) that hair is silk.
25- Personification-giving objects human
characteristics - EXAMPLE The sun wrapped its arms around my
shoulders. (The sun does not really have arms,
but I using personification to express how hot my
shoulders feel.) - Symbolism- person, place or object that stands
for something other than itself - Idioms-an expression that has a meaning different
from its individual words.
26VIII. Reading Strategies
- Inferences is a reading strategy (also used in
the real world) An educated guess formed by using
background knowledge and personal experiences to
draw conclusions not explicitly stated. - Questioning
- Predicting
- Visualizing
- Connecting