Elements of a Story
"Five Things" Rap Song
This song covers the five main elements of a story: setting, plot, characters, conflict and theme. Whether you’re studying a short story, a novel, an epic poem, a play or a film, if you don’t find these five elements, you’re not looking hard enough.
Five Essential Elements of a Story
BrainPop Elements of a Story
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Try it!
Interactive Elements of a Story - Cinderella
Elements of a Story - The Boy Who Cried Wolf
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Describes Plot and Characterization (RDG 6.3a)
Book:
1. Identify the major (main) characters. Mr. Gloomingdale
2. Identify when and where the story takes place (setting). __Mr. Gloomingdale’s cottage in the woods, Present day
3. Identify the main conflict or problem in the story. Mr. Gloomingdale is not a happy person.
4. Summarize in sequence the main episodes (events) of the story.
First: Mr. Gloomingdale received a note that offered to grant him a wish if he followed the directions.
Next: He followed the directions to a wishing well and made a wish. He wished the sky above him would not be sunny as long as he was grumpy.
Then: It rained on him while the sun shined on everyone else.
Next: The plants and creatures started to die because there was no rain on them.
Finally: He gave them some of his rain and they came alive and started smiling again.
5. How was the main conflict or problem (from #3) resolved? He was nice to others and helped them. This made him happy.
6. Describe the character traits of each character you listed in your answer to #1.
Mr. Gloomingdale - Grumpy
7. Make a connection to the plot or characters. (text to self, text to world, text to text)
Text to self: I feel good when I help others, just like Mr. Gloomingdale did in the book. Making a positive difference in the lives of others makes me feel good. During the holidays I ring bells for the Salvation Army and donate to those in need. Doing these things makes me feel good.
8. Choose one of the characters in the story and describe how that character changes through the course of the story or drama. Mr. Gloomingdale was a grumpy person. Once he helped everyone and made them happy he became happy.