Elements of Fiction.doc

Elements of FictionFiction is a literary work whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact.1. Character (1) characters The protagonist-the central characterThe antagonist -the character against whom the protagonist struggles or contendsTo describe the relative degree a character was developed, critics refer them asA flat character who is built around with a single trait or quality or idea.A round character -they change and grow and thus they are dynamic. Often they exhibit contradictory traits and like real human beings, they frequently surprise us.(2) Methods of Characterization Characterization is about how a character is revealed or developed.2 basic ways to characterize: To tell and to showMethods of characterization by telling1) the use of name2) appearance: dress and physical appearance3) by the author: the author reveals the personality of the characters through a series of editorial comments, including the thoughts and feelings that pass through the characters mindsMethods of characterization by showing4) dialogue 5) action2. PlotPlot is a term to indicate how the events are arranged to affect the reader. It is an artificial rather than a natural ordering of events. It is composed of two basic aspects of narration: the sequence, i.e. the story told in chronological order, or with a lot of flash back, or in psychic order; The development, i.e. whether in the traditional linear pattern (set-up/exposition rising action/ complications climax falling action resolution or modernist way (little action, inner world depiction, dialogues, no development). A work may have just one plot, or double plots, or multiple plots. 3. SettingSetting is the background against which the action of a narrative occurs, referring both to the time and place of the events in a story, including the specific time or period, geographic location, cultural environment as well as social and political realities. Setting is often established by description, but it may also be shown through characters action, dialogue or thinking. Although defined as the background, it can have great significance in the story. It not only gives the reader the impression of verisimilitude versmltju:d 真实, but may also function as “objective correlative” of the internal life of the character. The setting can also affect characters or plot by creating a certain atmosphere or mood, and help develop the theme either through suggestion or more direct symbolism. When setting dominates, or when a piece of fiction is written largely to present the manners and customs of a locality, the writing is often called Local Color writing or Regionalism. 4. ThemeTheme is the central or dominating idea in a literary work, and the soul of the story. In nonfiction prose it may be thought of as the general topic of discussion, the subject of the discourse, the thesis. In poetry, fiction, and drama it is the abstract concept which is made concrete through its representation in person, action, and image in the work. The theme of a work may be pronounced explicitly, but more often it emerges indirectly through the recurrence of motifs. Common themes of literature are about human nature and the most important human experiences which are universal, covering the primary emotions and relations in human life. 5. Point of ViewPoint of view is the position or vantage-point from which the events of a story seem to be observed and presented to us. The chief distinction usually made between points of view is that between third-person narratives and first-person narratives. 1) Omniscient point of view A third-person narrator may be omniscient, and therefore show an unrestricted knowledge of the storys events from outside or “above” them. The narrator even intrudes in the story with personal opinion. This “all knowing” narrator firmly imposes his or her presence between the reader and the story and retains complete control over the narrative but the narrator is not a character in the story and is not involved in the plot.For example： The house was big, old, and Levin, though he lived alone, heated and occupied all of it. He knew that it was even wrong and contrary to his new plans, but this house was a whole world for Levin. It was the world in which his father and mother had lived and died. They had lived a life which for Levin seemed the ideal of all perfection and which he dreamed of renewing with his wife, with his family.2) Limited third-person point of view Another kind of third-person narrator may confine our knowledge of events to whatever is observed by a single character or small group of characters,For example, For Whom the Bell Tolls sticks firmly with one characters consciousness, that of Robert Jordan: This Anselmo had been a good guide and he could travel wonderfully in the mountains. Robert Jordan could walk well enough himself and he knew from following him since before daylight that the old man could walk him to death. Robert Jordan trusted the man, Anselmo, so far, in everything except judgment. He had not yet had an opportunity to test his judgment, and, anyway, the judgment was his own responsibility.The reader will only know Anselmos thoughts and responses insofar as he reveals them through his actions. But Robert Jordans thoughts will be shared throughout the story. Its his reactions and his interpretations of events that the reader will understand and follow.3) first-person point of viewA focal character addresses the reader directly. He/ she tells the tale in his or her words, using the first-person pronoun “I” and addresses the reader as “you”A first-person narrators point of view will normally be restricted to his or her pa