Elements of MysteryReading the Mystery!

A mystery has:

• Catchy title• Mood of suspense• Clues to keep the reader

involved• Plot with problems,

complications, climax and resolution to problems.

Purpose of the Mystery

• Entertain the reader• Make the reader predict

what will happen next• Recognize clues that

something is about to happen-foreshadowing

• Use of the flashback to give the reader important information.

Conflict

• All mysteries have at least one conflict

• Many have more than one story line within the story.

• Internal-conflict that exists in ones mind, within ones self.

• External conflict-man verus another person or an outside force.

Characters

• Protagonist -the central character or hero in a narrative or drama.

• Antagonist-the “bad guy” or the person who works against the hero.

• Characters-person, animal or imaginary creature in a story.

Plot

• Sequence of events that make up a story.

• Exposition-sets the tone, introduces the setting and characters.

• Climax-turning point in the story

• Resolution/falling action-part of the story after the climax.

Types of Mysteries

• Detective stories • Secret agent stories• Crime stories• Police procedurals• Strange occurrences• Urban Legends