Lesson 5: Elements of a Story

I. Elements of a Story

The 5 Important  Elements of a Story	Definition
Character	A character is a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a short story or other literary work. Who is in the story?
Setting	The setting of a short story is the time and place in which it happens. Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons or weather to provide a strong sense of setting. Where does the story take place?
Plot	A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict. What happens in the story that helps the characters solve the problem?
Conflict	The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a short story. The main character is usually on one side of the central conflict. On the other side, the main character may struggle against another important character, against the forces of nature, against society, or even against something inside himself or herself (feelings, emotions, illness). What is it that one or more characters wants to do or wants to happen by the end of the story?
Theme	The theme is the central idea or belief in a short story.