Elements of a Plot

Hello 8th Graders,

Here are the elements of a narrative including, definitions, and why each is important to a story.

1. Setting
   1. Definition: where and when a story takes place
   2. Setting is important because the location and time of a story affects the plot and characters.
2. Dramatic Irony
   1. Definition: when a reader knows the reasons for an event before the characters do
   2. The importance of dramatic irony is to create suspense for the reader as they wait for the moment that the character’s learn what the reader already knows.
3. Point of View
   1. Definition: how a reader “sees” and “hears” the events in a story; can be in 1st person, 2nd person, or 3rd person
   2. The importance of point of view is to allow the writer to express the emotions of all character’s or one character, depending on what the author wants the story to do for the reader.
4. Characterization
   1. Definition: the personality of a character
   2. Characterization is important because it explains a character’s personality and allows the reader to better understand them.
5. Theme
   1. Definition: the message an author wants you to learn
   2. Themes are important because they allow the author to share their thoughts with the reader, particularly about how the world works or how they view life.
6. Suspense
   1. Definition: creates a feeling of worry or anticipation in the reader
   2. The importance of suspense is to play on the curiosity reader’s feel in order to maintain interest and focus on the story.
7. Mood
   1. Definition: the feelings a reader gets through the words and descriptions in a story
   2. The importance of mood is to create an emotional connection between the story/characters and the reader.