The Facts About Fiction

Based on true story…or is it?

Why do people write and read stories?

O EscapismO Imagine possibilities, experience

places you haven’t been—no matter how absurd or fantastical

O Find truth, not factsO EntertainmentO Learn moralityO Learn philosophy—be exposed to

new ideas

What are the “advantages” of fiction?

O Isn’t constrained by factsO Can be very effective at providing

insights into/philosophies about human nature

O Has the advantage of using storytelling techniques to draw readers in, entertain and lead them somewhere—easier to manipulate readers

O Familiar archetypes/symbols to connect readers/society

What makes a “good” story?

O A good story is anything that makes you “feel” something; it affects you in some way—maybe it makes you laugh, cry, think, get angry, etc.

O It helps you to understand some aspect of the human condition a little bit better than you already do; it helps you to expand your understanding of the world.

O It helps you to somehow better understand you.

What stories have affected you in some way?

What are the basic elements of a well-crafted story?

1. Plot & Conflict2. Setting & Mood3. Character Type, Characterization,

Character Development4. Point of View/Perspective5. Symbolism (& Motif)6. Style (& Tone)7. Theme

So what do you know about PLOT?

O Definition? (See PLOT PP.)O How does it relate to conflict? (See PLOT PP.)O What are the building blocks of plot? (See PLOT PP.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: Let’s create a basic plot together!O TEXT: The SniperO Progress Assessment: Map out the parts of plot for

“The Sniper”.O Tying it all together: How does the author’s plot

choices help to have more of an impact and create more meaning?

O Creative Task/Progress Assessment: Plot Comic

So let’s talk about conflict!

O Definition? (See CONFLICT PP.)O How does it relate to plot? (See CONFLICT PP.)O What are the types of conflict? (See CONFLICT PP.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: Students brainstorm for and discuss

examples of each type of conflict from books and movies they’ve read or watched.

O TEXT: “Death by Scrabble”O Progress Assessment: SGQ for “Death by Scrabble”O Tying it all together: How can an author’s conflict

choices create a better story or make a bigger impact on the reader?

O Creative Task: NONE

Setting & MoodO Definition and Notes (See Setting & Mood PP.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: ROOM RAIDERS!!!!O TEXT: “The Silent Towns”O Progress Assessment: SGQ for “The Silent

Towns”O Tying it all together: How can an author’s

setting choices create a more effective mood? How might an author’s setting choices change the feeling or effectiveness for certain stories?

O Creative Task: NONE

Character Type, Characterization and Character Development

O Definition and Notes (See Character(ization) pp.)O CLASS ACTIVITY: “Class Character Story” (See

pp.)O TEXT: “The Possibility of Evil”O Progress Assessment: SGQ for “The Possibility

of Evil”O Tying it all together: How can an author’s

character choices make or break the effectiveness of a character or story overall? How are character development and theme connected? (See pp.)

O Creative Task: TBD

Point of View

Symbolism

Diction Choices: Style and Tone

Theme

Recap

Review Discussion and Assignment(s)

Any Questions?

Final Assessment(s)