Syllabus, ENG 102
Elements of Literature
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There are four elements story and four parts to a story's structure.

FOUR ELEMENTS OF A STORY

Plot--the action of the story; what actually takes place

Character--The people or actors in the plot; either performing the action or being acted upon **Special character could be the Narrator**

Setting--Where the action takes place; could include the time/era the action occurs

Language--How the story is told; the way the characters speak as well as what they say; the attitude of the narrator


FOUR POINTS OF STRUCTURE

Exposition--Introduces the characters, plot, setting; often relates history or "sets up" the action

Conflict--Person vs. person (society); Person vs. nature (God); Person vs. self (culture)

Climax--The point of the highest tension in the story; where the conflict leads the characters and plot

Denouement--The resolution; the "fall out" from the climax; the closing of the story

In order to have a story, you need to have Conflict and Climax. The other parts of the structure may be dispersed throughout the story, abbreviated or even absent.