Components of Literature

To Educators:

This book is geared towards 4th graders.

This is the time when students begin to read more advanced texts, in and out of the classroom. Students must begin to understand the components of literature, such as plot, conflict, character, setting, point of view, and theme. These elements will allow students to deepen their understanding of the stories they read.

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to identify and explain the different components of literature.

The components of literature are plot, conflict, character, setting, point of view, theme, etc. These elements give the author a framework to write their story. Literary elements play an important role in pulling emotional reactions from the reader as well as deepening their understanding of the story.

The plot of a story is the sequence of events or main events written within the story. The plot gives a story structure and helps to keep readers engaged.

The conflict in a story is the struggle between two opposing forces. This is where the plot peaks and creates tension.

The characters in a story are the people written in the story. There can be main or minor characters and good or bad characters. They are an essential part of making up a story.

The setting of a story is where the story takes place. The setting can be either real or fictional. It can help to set the tone of the story.

The point of view in a story is the perspective in which the story is being told. Three different points of view can be used. First-person, in which a character is a narrator and uses “I”. Second-person, in which the narrator speaks directly to the reader and uses “you”. Third-person, in which the narrator is not a character in the book and their story is being told by someone else, using “he or she”.

The theme is one of the most important components. It is the central idea or message that the author is trying to get across in the story. It gives a deeper meaning to the story.

Discussion questions:

1. How do the characters’ actions and feelings contribute to the development of the story’s plot?
2. Can you identify the main conflict in a story and explain how it is resolved?
3. How does the setting of a story help you imagine where and when the events are taking place?

Homework: Take your favorite book that you have read and try to identify the following… plot, conflict, character, setting, point of view, theme