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Story Elements Facts & Worksheets

The elements of a story are the essential components that make up a narrative and contribute to its structure, development, and impact. These elements provide a framework for understanding and analyzing storytelling.

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The elements of a story are the essential components that make up a narrative and contribute to its structure, development, and impact. These elements provide a framework for understanding and analyzing storytelling.

See the fact file below for more information about Story Elements, or you can download our 28-page Story Elements worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

WHAT IS A STORY?

  • At its core, a story is a narrative or account of events, real or imagined, presented in a structured form. It is a means of communication that conveys a sequence of events, experiences, or ideas. 
  • Stories are fundamental to human communication and have been a part of cultures throughout history, serving various purposes such as entertainment, education, and the transmission of values.
  • A story typically features characters who navigate through a series of events, facing challenges or conflicts that drive the narrative forward. 
  • These events unfold within a specific setting, adding context and atmosphere to the story. The progression of events is guided by a plot, creating a sense of structure and purpose.
  • In addition to conveying information, stories often evoke emotions, allowing readers or listeners to connect with the experiences of the characters. They can transport individuals to different worlds, offer insights into human nature, and provide a shared cultural or societal understanding.
  • Whether told through oral traditions, written language, visual media, or a combination of these, stories are a powerful means of expressing creativity, sharing knowledge, and fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. 
  • The diversity of stories across cultures reflects the richness of human imagination and the universal desire to communicate and connect through narrative.

ELEMENTS OF A STORY – THE PLOT

  • In a narrative, the plot or structure often follows a chronological sequence of events, the plot, and understanding the components of this structure is crucial for comprehending the flow of a story.
  • The INTRODUCTION sets the stage by introducing the main characters, the setting, and the initial situation.
  • This section establishes the context and provides the reader with essential background information to grasp the upcoming events. 
  • The introduction is the starting point that sparks curiosity and lays the foundation for the unfolding narrative.
  • The RISING ACTION comprises a series of events that build upon the introduction and escalate the central conflict.
  • Tensions rise as characters face challenges, make choices and experience complications. The narrative gains momentum, drawing the audience deeper into the story and creating a sense of anticipation for what is to come.
  • The CLIMAX is the narrative’s pinnacle, the highest point of tension and conflict. Here, the central struggle reaches its peak, and the characters are forced to confront their most significant challenges. 

EXAMPLE: In the climax of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C. S. Lewis, Aslan, the majestic lion, sacrifices himself to save Edmund from the White Witch’s treachery. However, Aslan’s sacrifice is not in vain, as he resurrects and leads the forces of good against the White Witch.

  • It’s the turning point that propels the story towards resolution and holds the reader’s breath with the weight of its impact.
  • The RESOLUTION, or denouement, concludes the story. It reveals the aftermath of the conflict, detailing the characters’ fates and the long-term implications of their actions.
  • This section provides a sense of closure and often delivers the story’s overarching message or theme. 
  • The resolution allows readers to reflect on their journey with the characters and brings the narrative to a satisfying or thought-provoking conclusion.

ELEMENTS OF A STORY – THE CHARACTERS

  • Characters are essential elements of a story, serving as the driving force behind the narrative and providing a means for readers to connect with the plot and themes. Here are some key aspects of characters as elements of a story:
  • Protagonist: The main character around whom the story revolves. The protagonist usually faces the central conflict and undergoes significant development throughout the narrative.
  • Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating the primary source of conflict. The antagonist’s goals may directly conflict with those of the protagonist, driving the plot forward.
  • Supporting Characters: These characters complement the protagonist and antagonist, contributing to the overall development of the story. 
  • They can be friends, family, mentors, or any other characters playing a role in advancing the plot or influencing the main characters.
  • Characterization: The process of developing and portraying the personalities, traits, and backgrounds of characters. This includes physical attributes, emotions, motivations, and how characters evolve over the course of the story.

EXAMPLE: Emily Thompson is a 28-year-old librarian with a quiet demeanor. She wears glasses and is often seen with her nose buried in a book. Her routine involves leading a calm and solitary life in the small town of Rivertown.

  • Character Arcs: The journey or transformation a character undergoes throughout the story. Character arcs show how individuals change, learn, or grow in response to the events and challenges they face.
  • Motivation: The reasons why characters act the way they do. Understanding a character’s motivations helps readers connect with and empathize or sympathize with them.
  • Conflict and Resolution: Characters are often the source of conflict, whether internal struggles or external clashes with others. The resolution of these conflicts contributes to the overall progression of the story.
  • Dialogue: The spoken words and interactions between characters. Dialogue is a crucial tool for revealing personalities, advancing the plot, and providing insights into relationships.

EXAMPLE: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

  • Backstory: The history and experiences that shape a character’s identity. While not all details may be explicitly revealed in the story, a well-developed backstory can add depth and authenticity to the characters.
    • EXAMPLE: Gandalf, a wizard in J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” story, is a Maia spirit sent by the Valar to guide and assist the Free Peoples. 
  • Dynamic vs. Static Characters: Dynamic characters undergo significant changes or growth, while static characters remain relatively unchanged throughout the story. Both types have specific roles in storytelling.
  • Point of View (POV): The choice of POV influences how readers perceive and relate to characters. First-person POV allows readers direct access to the thoughts of a character, while third-person POV provides a more external perspective.
  • Symbolism: Characters can also serve as symbols, representing broader themes, ideas, or archetypes within the story.

ELEMENTS OF A STORY – THE SETTING

  • The setting of a story refers to the time and place in which the events unfold. It provides the backdrop against which the characters interact, and the plot develops, influencing the overall atmosphere and context of the narrative.

TIME

  • The temporal setting involves the era, period, or specific time when the story occurs. It could be historical, contemporary, or futuristic. The time setting influences the cultural, social, and technological aspects of the narrative.

EXAMPLE: “Rip Van Winkle,” written by Washington Irving, is set in the pre-and-post-Revolutionary War period in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Rip falls asleep for 20 years, waking up to find a changed world. The story reflects social and political changes in America during the early 19th century.

PLACE:

  • The spatial setting denotes the physical location or locations where the story takes place. It could be a specific city, country, planet, or even a fictional realm. 
  • The place setting contributes to the overall mood and tone of the story, as different locations carry unique cultural, geographical, and atmospheric characteristics. 
  • A story set in a bustling metropolis will evoke a different ambiance than one set in a serene rural village or a mysterious, otherworldly landscape.
  • Together, the time and place settings establish the foundation for the narrative, shaping the experiences of the characters and influencing the story’s themes. 
  • A well-crafted setting not only provides a vivid backdrop for the events but also enhances the reader’s immersion in the fictional world, making the story more engaging and authentic.

EXAMPLE: “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” an Aesop‘s fable, is set in a pastoral landscape, typically a village or countryside. The story highlights the consequences of dishonesty as a young shepherd falsely alarms villagers about a wolf attack, leading them to disregard genuine warnings later.

ELEMENTS OF A STORY – CONFLICT & RESOLUTION

In every compelling story, CONFLICT is the driving force, propelling the narrative forward. It introduces tension, challenges, and obstacles that characters must overcome.

  • As the plot unfolds, characters confront these challenges, leading to a pivotal moment of resolution. 
  • RESOLUTION, often found near the story’s climax, brings closure to the conflict, answering lingering questions and providing a sense of fulfillment. 
  • It is the point where loose ends are tied, lessons are learned, and characters undergo transformation. The resolution not only concludes the narrative but also leaves a lasting impact, allowing readers or viewers to reflect on the journey and the significance of the challenges faced by the characters.

ELEMENTS OF A STORY – THE THEME

  • In a story, the theme is like the story’s main idea or message. It’s the big picture, the lesson the author wants you to learn, or the feeling they want you to have after reading. Imagine you’re looking at a painting; the theme is the emotion or idea the artist is trying to express. 
  • It’s not just about the characters or the events but what those things mean. So, when reading a story, think about what the author wants you to understand or feel about life, people, or the world.

OTHER IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF A STORY

  • POINT OF VIEW (POV): As explained earlier, this is the perspective from which the story is told. The most common points of view include first-person (narrated by a character in the story), third-person limited (narrated by an external voice focusing on one character’s thoughts and feelings), and omniscient (narrated by an all-knowing observer).
  • TONE: The author’s attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter. Tone can be serious, humorous, suspenseful, or a combination of various emotive tones.
  • STYLE: The author’s unique way of expressing ideas and telling the story. This includes the use of language, sentence structure, and literary devices.

EXAMPLE: Shakespeare’s writing style is like a rich tapestry of words. He uses beautiful language, clever wordplay, and vivid descriptions. His plays and poems have a rhythm that’s almost musical, making his work timeless and enjoyed by people for centuries.

  • SYMBOLISM: Using symbols to represent deeper meanings or ideas within the story. Symbols can be objects, characters, or actions that carry additional significance beyond their literal interpretation.
    • EXAMPLE: In “The Ugly Duckling,” the swan egg symbolizes hidden potential. The duckling’s transformation into a beautiful swan represents self-discovery and acceptance. The story teaches that everyone has unique qualities and true beauty lies in embracing individuality and inner worth.

Story Elements Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Story Elements across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Story Elements. The elements of a story are the essential components that make up a narrative and contribute to its structure, development, and impact. These elements provide a framework for understanding and analyzing storytelling.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Story Elements Facts
  2. It’s Reading Time!
  3. The Theme
  4. Start with the Theme
  5. Establish the Setting
  6. Set Your Story
  7. Character Analysis
  8. The Characters
  9. Outlining the Plot
  10. Plot Diagram
  11. A Rough Draft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of “setting” in a story?

The setting of a story refers to the time and place in which it takes place. It encompasses the physical location, time period, weather, social environment, and even the mood or atmosphere.

What role does the “protagonist” play in a story?

The protagonist is the main character around whom the story revolves. They typically face challenges or conflicts and undergo personal growth or transformation throughout the narrative. The protagonist is often considered the “hero” of the story.

What is the purpose of “conflict” in storytelling?

Conflict is a crucial element in storytelling as it creates tension and drives the plot forward. It can take various forms, such as man vs. man, man vs. nature, or man vs. self. Resolving conflicts is often what leads to character development and the overall resolution of the story.

How does “foreshadowing” contribute to a narrative?

Foreshadowing is a literary device where the author hints at future events in the story. It adds suspense and anticipation for the reader, making them eager to discover how events will unfold. Effective foreshadowing can enhance the overall impact and coherence of the plot.

What is the significance of the “climax” in a story?

The climax is the highest point of tension and drama in a narrative. It’s the moment when the main conflict reaches its peak, and the outcome becomes clear. The climax is pivotal in holding the reader’s attention and is often followed by the resolution, where loose ends are tied up, and the story concludes.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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