The 8 Elements of a Story:
- Setting: This is where the story takes place & can be one or multiple locations and/or time periods.
- Character: The star (or stars) of your ‘show’
- Plot: The meat of what happens in your story. from set up (introduction) to conflict (see below) to resolution (the end).
- Conflict: Here’s the problem. No really, here’s where you decide what the problem (or challenge) is going to be for your characters/storyline. There must be a conflict for there to be a story.
- Theme: This is the why of your story. What’s the reason for it? What do you want your readers to understand?
- Point of View (POV): Who’s telling the story? First-person (“I”) Third-person (he/she) Limited (one character’s perspective) or omniscient (all-knowing narration). Be consistent, whatever you choose. Oh, and don’t use second-person (you) for storytelling. It rarely, if ever, reads well.
- Tone: What’s the vibe of the story, emotionally? Upbeat? Humorous? Melancholy?
- Style: This is the sound of your story – how things are said. Is your MC a fast-talking, slick dude? Or a proper lady? Is it a rom-com with quick, witty banter or an epic sci-fi adventure with nerd-speak (I’m kidding, I’m kidding).
So, now you know the basic ingredients (you probably knew them instinctively already). If you can answer yes to the question: Does my story have all of these elements, then you’re off to a great start! Want to learn more writer lingo? check out the Glossary page! Happy writing. xo ~ Elsa
