Elements of Stories

Every story has to have certain elements such as plot, conflict, setting, characterization, and dialogue. Let's explore the various aspects of stories individually.

Plot is the events that make up the story. The basic parts of the plot, in elementary terms, are the beginning, middle and end. In more advanced terms, we have the exposition, the series of events which includes conflict and complications, the climax or turning point, and the denouement or resolution.

Conflict is the struggle between the opposing forces on which the action in a work of literature depends. There are five basic forms of conflict: person versus person, person versus self, person versus nature, person versus society, and person versus God. We often speak of internal conflict (emotional or mental with the self) and external conflict (conflict with outside forces or other characters).

Setting is the time and place in which a story takes place. It provides the context for the story.

Characterization is the creation or bringing to life of a character or characters in a story. It is achieved by things such as action, speech, dress, and other attributes.

Dialogue is the words spoken between two or more characters.