“Everything in Literature Happens for a Reason!”

GenresFiction (Not Real) Non-Fiction (Real)

DramaPoetryFairy TalesShort StoryRealistic FictionHistorical FictionNovels

EssaysBiographyAutobiographySpeeches

ThemeA theme is a main idea, moral, or message

portrayed throughout a novel.

Themes often explore timeless and universal ideas.

There will be many themes in a novel.

The Narrator (Point of View)The lens through

which a reader views a story.

Point of view is the way the author allows you to “see” and “hear” what’s going on.

See handout on “Point of View”.

The SettingWhere the story takes place is of great importance to

understanding a novel.The setting is where the novel takes place.

It may include historical background, time, local color.

Local color is characteristics that set the place apart from other places.

The author doesn’t always state the setting of a novel, instead they provide details describing the location and/or time period.

This allows a reader to paint a picture in their mind. (The use of imagery or sensory details.)

CharactersStatic/Flat Characters

Characters that do not change throughout the novel.

Usually minor charactersDynamic/Round Characters

Characters will undergo some kind of change in the course of the story.

Usually major characters

Plot (definition)Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

Plot Diagram

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1. ExpositionThis usually occurs at the beginning of a

novel. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

ConflictThe dramatic

struggle between two forces in a story .

Without conflict, there is no plot.

Types of ConflictInternal ExternalA struggle that take’s

place in a character’s mind.

Character vs. Self

A struggle between a character and an outside force.

Character vs. Character Character vs. Society Character vs. Nature

2. Rising ActionThis part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. ClimaxThis is the turning point of the story.

Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

4. Falling ActionAll loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. ResolutionThe story comes to a reasonable ending.