Elements of Fiction Literary Terms

Front

Plot

Back

What happens in the story; some call it the storyline.

Front

First Person Point of View

Back

The narrator tells the story and is a character in the story. Uses pronouns like I, me, us, we, our.

Front

Third Person Omniscient Point of View

Back

The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell the thoughts and actions of all characters at all times. Uses pronouns like he, she, him, her, they.

Front

Third Person Limited Point of View

Back

The narrator is not a character in the story but can tell the thoughts and actions of a few key characters at all times. Uses pronouns like he, she, him, her, they.

Front

The setting provides us with the when and where the story took place.

Back

The setting gives information about the time and location of the story.

Front

Context or historical background provides additional plot information.

Back

Context helps understand the circumstances and background of the story.

Front

The three W's of setting: When, Where, Why.

Back

When = timeframe, Where = place or location, Why = context of the story.

Front

When doing an Elements of Fiction Hand, use the three W's.

Back

The three W's help analyze the setting of a story.

Front

Flat Characterization

Back

A character with one or two sides, representing one or two traits, often a stereotype.

Front

Purpose of Flat Characters

Back

Flat characters help move the plot along more quickly.