There are six main elements of fiction. They include plot, character, setting, conflict, point of view and symbol. In fiction writing these elements are used to develop the theme in a story. When analyzing a fiction story it is important to consider how the author has utilized these elements in developing the narrative. Ball et al. (2011) assert that literally analysis of a fiction story is the interpretation of the work of literature or the argument that is presented in a story. Kennedy and Gioia (2016) support this notion by stating that, “literally fiction calls for close attention.” Thus by examining the elements of fiction an individual can identify the meaning of a fiction story.
Setting allows the reader to determine and understand the location or the context of the story. By focusing on the setting the reader can identify where the story is based on and why the author selected that place. The plot enables the reader to follow the sequence that unfolds throughout the story. Through the plot the reader can analyze, interpret and explain the story (Bal & Veltkamp, 2013). The characters are the elements in the story that the author uses to develop the narrative. Through the characters, the reader can understand the important message that the author is trying to convey in the story.
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Conflict in a story refers to the main issues or problems being discussed in the story. Through the conflict, the readers can understand the role of each character and the decisions they make. Point of view refers to the approach that the narrator uses to tell the story and the events that unfold. The point of view enables the reader to gain an in-depth understanding of the themes (Marsh et al. 2003). Symbol refers to the objects or acts that have an in-depth meaning – through symbols the readers can understand the intended meaning of a character’s words, actions or decisions.
References
Bal, P. M., & Veltkamp, M. (2013). How does fiction reading influence empathy? An experimental investigation on the role of emotional transportation. PloS one , 8 (1), e55341. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0055341
Bal, P. M., Butterman, O. S., & Bakker, A. B. (2011). The influence of fictional narrative experience on work outcomes: a conceptual analysis and research model. Review of General Psychology , 15 (4), 361-370.
Kennedy, X. J. & Gioia, D. (2016). Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, 13th Edition . New York, NY: Pearson Education
Marsh, E. J., Meade, M. L., & Roediger III, H. L. (2003). Learning facts from fiction. Journal of Memory and Language , 49 (4), 519-536.
