Story

Development How Great Authors Construct Great Stories

W3a and W3c

W3a and e Basic Elements

W3a: Basic Elements (W3a)

4

I can engage and orient the reader by setting out a conflict and its significance,

establishing one or multiple points of view, introducing a narrator and/or characters,

and creating a smooth progression of experiences or events.

3

I can engage and orient the reader by setting out a conflict, establishing one or

multiple points of view, introducing a narrator and/or characters, and creating a

smooth progression of experiences or events.

2

I can engage and orient the reader by setting out a conflict, establishing one to two

points of view, introducing a narrator and/or characters, and creating a smooth

progression of experiences or events.

1

I can complete some of the above skills and/or complete all skills but with limited

depth.

W3e: Conclusion (W3e)

4

I can provide a comprehensive conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is

experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.

3

I can provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced,

observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.

2

I can provide a conclusion, but I do not have strong reflection and/or tie up all loose

ends.

1 I can provide a conclusion but have no reflection.

The Map

SETTING

CHARACTERIZATION

POINT OF VIEW

MOOD

THEME

PLOT

Hook

Exposition

Conflict

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

1. Plot

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.

A. Hook + Exposition

Hook: initial way author draws reader into story—action, dialogue, reflection.

Exposition: this usually occurs at the beginning of a story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story.

B. Conflict

The basis of the rest of the story. It could be character versus character, society, nature, and/or self.

C. Rising Action

This part of the story begins to develop the responses to conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

D. Climax

This 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.

E. Falling Action

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

F. Resolution

The story comes to a reasonable ending.

2. Setting

Time, place, climate, society, etc.

Often reflects the changes in plot and characterization

3. Characterization

Direct: the author or narrator tells us how a character is. – The man was tall. – Jerry was happy to survive the attack.

Indirect: the characters actions show us how he/she is. – The man towered over the woman, a tree

compared to the grass. – Jerry sobbed in relief as the would-be murderer

was dragged away by the police.

4. Point of View

Who tells the story

– First, Second, Third

– Objective, Limited, Omniscient

5. Mood

Emotion of the piece

Often reflects the changes in plot and characterization

6. Theme

The main idea or message in a work of literature

Many works have multiple themes which build together