Elements of Literature

the literary element that describes the structure of a story. It shows arrangement of events and actions within a story.

pyramid that shows plot

most often take human form, but, on occasion, a story can employ animals, fantastical creatures, and even inanimate objects

types of characters

the story's main character. • The story's plot centers around these characters, who are usually sympathetic and likable to the reader; that is, they are most often the 'hero' of the story

bad guy or girl of the piece. Most of the plot's action is borne of the conflict between the main character and this character.

More complex and drawn in more detail by the writer. Being described in comprehensive physical detail, we will gain an insight into the character's interior life, their hopes, fears, dreams, desires, etc.

are one-dimensional characters that are purely functional in the story. They are more a sketch than a more detailed protrait, and they help move the action along by serving a simple purpose We aren’t afforded much insight into the interior lives of such characters.

consists of two key elements: space and time.

elements of a setting

types of point of views

This is when the story's main character relates the action first hand as he or she experiences or experienced it

In this case, we see the story unfold, not from the main character's POV but from the perspective of a secondary character with limited participation in the story itself.

This perspective is uncommon. Though it is hard to pull off without sounding corny, you will find it in some books, such as those Choose Your Own Adventure-type books. You can recognize this perspective by using the second person pronoun 'you'.

From this perspective, we see events unfold from the point of view of the narrator who is not part of the story, limited knowledge from the characters.

The great eye in the sky! It knows everything about everyone. From this point of view, nothing is off-limits.

the big ideas explored in a work of literature. These are often universal ideas that transcend the limits of culture, ethnicity, or language. is the deeper meaning behind the events of the story.

writer's attitude toward the audience, the subject, or the character. Two works may have the same theme, but each may adopt a different ___ in dealing with the theme. It helps to create the mood.

can be serious, comical, formal, informal, gloomy, joyful, sarcastic, or sentimental.

The general atmosphere (emotions or feelings an author conveys to his readers through description of objects and settings)