The 5 story elements
Every story has 5 story elements: characters, setting, conflict, plot, and resolution.
Characterswho
Settingwhere and when
Conflictthe problem
Plotthe events, in order
Resolutionhow the problem ends
Characterization: the ways a writer shows what a character is like.
Watch a story map fill in
Story: The Torn Kite
CharactersNia and her grandfather
SettingA windy beach town in the fall
ConflictNia's kite tears 1 day before the kite contest.
PlotNia tries to fix the kite alone. Then Nia and her grandfather fix the kite together.
ResolutionNia flies her kite in the contest and feels proud.
SaysNia says, "I can still fix it."
DoesNia tapes the tear 3 times.
ThinksNia thinks, "I am not ready to quit."
Others reactGrandpa smiles and gives Nia new string.
Trait: Nia does not give up.
Trait: a word or phrase that tells what a character is like. Direct characterization: the writer tells you the trait. Indirect characterization: you find the trait from clues.
Try it
Sort the clues about Theo
- Click a clue card.
- Click the box for the clue type. On a computer, you can also drag the card to the box.
- Read the feedback. Sort all 8 cards.
Click a clue card to start.
Quick check
Answer 5 questions. You see your score at the end.