![]() But it means that, as a writer, you’re limited to the perspective of your narrator. Let’s take a look at the various POV options available to a writer.įirst person storytelling has an intimate feel. It also has the power to change a story’s atmosphere – and increase or decrease psychic/narrative distance (how close a reader feels to the action). Point of view dictates the way in which you tell your story. Why is this element of fiction important to a story? You can also decide whether to write in present or past tense. You may choose to use a first person, second person, third person limited or third person omniscient point of view. Point of view is the perspective from which your story is told. You also shouldn’t rely too heavily on luck, coincidence or deus ex machina moments (unless you want to make your reader groan!). Every new development in your plot should have a definite cause and effect (even if you obscure these things from a reader). When you know what conflict your characters are going to face, it becomes easier to focus your plot.Įmploy logic. Tips for implementing this element of fiction Whether conflict is internal or external, a conflict-driven plot takes your characters on a journey, and keeps readers excited to turn the page and find out what happens next. Whilst a rounded character going about their daily life may hold a reader’s interest for a time, you need light and shade, peaks and troughs, tension and resolution to maintain that interest. Plot is another key element of fiction because – very simply put – if you want your story to engage a reader, something needs to happen. Or a love triangle as part of your romantic subplot. Or a red herring part way through a whodunit. These are techniques used to move the plot forward.įor example, you may have a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter. But they do provide a handy template for any type of fiction writing. Most plots involve the following sequence of plot points: ![]() You can do this by exploring your own behaviour and that of people around you. It’s good to have an idea of what your characters have experienced throughout their lives to date if you’re to give solid motivations for their actions.ĭelve into psychology to make your characters’ actions and dialogue more believable. Give your characters a backstory, even if you don’t explore this backstory on the page. Tips for implementing this element of fiction into your story This character has psychologically realistic reactions and motivations.Īnd whilst they’re not necessarily always likeable, a reader understands their behaviour and (very importantly) feels some level of empathy for them. For example, in crime stories, plot tends to be the driving force – and characters are less essential to hooking a reader.īut, in the vast majority of cases, your story needs at least one rounded, dynamic character. You can get away with flat and static characters. Their actions determine the direction of your plot. Why is this element of fiction important to a story?Ĭharacter is one of the key elements of fiction because:Ĭharacters connect readers to your story, helping them to feel invested in what happens next.Ĭharacters are the driving force behind your story. They learn lessons and develop as a person. (The mentor archetype is a great example of a static character.) Dynamicĭynamic characters undergo significant and realistic change throughout the course of a novel. Static characters don’t change much (if at all) over the course of a story. As readers, we really get to know these characters and what makes them tick. Round characters are multidimensional and feel like real people. 6 key elements of fiction Key element of fiction #1: CharacterĬharacters are a reader’s way into a story, which makes them one of the most important elements of fiction writing.įiction characters often fit into one of the following categories:Īnd all characters embody one or two of the following qualities: Flatįlat characters are one dimensional, defined by a stereotype or a single personality trait. Ready to learn all about the most important elements of fiction? Then let’s dive right in. And they help you to make your writing more believable and compelling. These fiction fundamentals provide a solid foundation on which to base any genre of story. Today I want to talk about the six key elements of fiction.
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