Essential Narrative Elements: Plot, Conflict, and Setting

Plot: Arranging Story Events

Plot refers to an author’s arrangement of the events that make up a story. Plot does not follow a chronological order; for example, authors may start in the middle and use flashbacks or dialogue to refer to previous events. The author must choose when the story begins, which aspects can be summarized, and when it should end. Time is subjective. The author's aim in writing a story will direct the choices he makes, and therefore analyzing these aspects of plot gives us invaluable insight into the meaning of his work.

Conflict: The Driving Force

Conflict is the driving force behind many plots. It may come from:

• External Conflict

  The main character may be in conflict with external forces like family, society, physical hardship, or nature.

• Internal Conflict

  The character may be forced to make a difficult choice.

Suspense: Engaging the Reader

Suspense generally catches the attention of the reader, encouraging them to understand every detail of the story. Suspense is often created through the events of the story.

Subplot: A Secondary Narrative

A subplot is a second story that is complete in its own right. The subplot is usually linked with the main plot and helps us to understand it better.

Setting: Time, Place, and Atmosphere

Setting refers to the general location and the historical time in which a story occurs. It also describes the particular physical location in which an episode within the story takes place.

Functions of Setting:

• Setting as a Mirror

  May reflect a prevailing mood or reinforce the emotion felt by a character (e.g., despair and desperation). It may also be ironic in relation to the character’s state of mind.

• Setting as an Antagonist

  The setting of the story often shapes characters’ identities and destinies, making people who they are.

• Setting as a Way of Revealing Character

  The manner in which a character perceives the setting may tell the reader more about the character and his or her state of mind than about the setting itself.

• Setting as a Means of Reinforcing Theme

  It serves to reinforce and clarify the theme of a short story or novel. The action that takes place may symbolically represent the central ideas of the work.

• Setting in Time

  Refers to the historical period, time of day, and time of year.

• Social Setting

  Indicates the social environment in which a story takes place.