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Literature Unit 1: Elements of fiction

Stories are built from plot, character, setting and conflict. Noticing how they work together is the start of literary analysis.

Covers: Plot structure, conflict, characterization, setting, foreshadowing and flashback

Study guide

Fiction is built from a few core elements. Plot is the sequence of events, often shaped as an arc: the exposition introduces characters and setting, rising action builds tension through complications, the climax is the turning point of highest tension, falling action follows the consequences, and the resolution (denouement) ties things up. Not every story follows this neatly, and some begin in the middle of the action (in medias res).

Conflict drives the plot. External conflicts set a character against another character, society, nature or technology; internal conflict is a struggle within a character's mind, such as a moral choice. Most stories combine several.

Characterization is how an author reveals character. Direct characterization tells us traits outright; indirect characterization shows them through speech, thoughts, actions, appearance and how others react (STEAL is a common memory aid). The protagonist is the central character and the antagonist opposes them. Dynamic characters change significantly, while static characters stay the same. Round characters are complex, and flat characters have one or two traits. A foil contrasts with another character to highlight their qualities.

Setting is the time, place and social environment of a story. It can create mood, shape characters' choices, and even act as a source of conflict.

Authors also manage time. Foreshadowing hints at future events and builds suspense. Flashback interrupts the present action to show earlier events, revealing backstory or motivation.

When a prompt calls a character's experience "complex," it signals mixed or conflicting feelings, such as pride mixed with doubt, or excitement that turns to disappointment. A strong reading names both sides of the tension and shows where in the passage each one appears. Fiction analysis goes beyond naming elements. Explain how two or three of them work together, such as how a setting that feels lonely and a series of small, failed conversations combine to reveal a character's isolation.

Track what a character wants, what stands in the way, and how their attitude has shifted by the end of a passage. Questions about a character's reaction or development usually hinge on the difference between the beginning and the end.

Key ideas

• Plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.
• Conflict can be external (person vs person, nature, society) or internal (person vs self).
• Characters are revealed directly (told) or indirectly (shown through actions, speech, thoughts).
• Dynamic characters change; static characters don't.
• Setting builds mood and can shape conflict.

Formulas and rules

Common mistakes

• Calling the climax the ending. It's the turning point.
• Mixing up round (complex) and dynamic (changing) characters.

Words to know

Climax

The turning point of highest tension.

Internal conflict

A struggle within a character's mind.

Dynamic character

A character who changes significantly.

Indirect characterization

Revealing character through actions, speech and thoughts.

Foreshadowing

Hints about what will happen later.

Plot structure

Exposition → rising action → climax → falling action → resolution.

Exposition

Introduces characters, setting and situation.

Rising action

Complications that build tension.

Falling action

Events after the climax.

Resolution (denouement)

How the story ends and conflicts resolve.

In medias res

Starting in the middle of the action.

External conflict

Character vs. character, society, nature or technology.

Protagonist / antagonist

The central character / the force opposing them.

Static character

A character who doesn't change.

Round vs. flat character

Complex / one or two traits.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another to highlight their traits.

Direct characterization

The narrator states a character's traits.

Setting

The time, place and social environment of a story.

Flashback

An interruption showing earlier events.

Sample practice questions

5 more questions like these, from level 1 to 5, are in the practice set.