Overview
This lecture covers key literary elements, techniques, and devices in fiction, focusing on the types and roles of characters, with engaging activities and examples from popular culture.
Literary Elements in Fiction
- Fiction is literature created from imagination, not based on history or fact.
- Common forms of fiction include novels and short stories.
- Fictional narratives often involve imaginary people and events.
Types of Characters in Fiction
- Protagonist: Main character, central to the story’s action, can have positive or negative traits.
- Antagonist: Opposes the protagonist and creates conflict, not always evil.
- Dynamic Character: Experiences significant internal change throughout the story.
- Static Character: Remains largely unchanged in personality or attitude.
- Round Character: Well-developed, complex, with multiple traits.
- Flat Character: One-dimensional, displaying a limited set of traits.
Activities and Examples
- Students identified figures of speech (hyperbole, apostrophe, oxymoron) in given sentences.
- Guessing game with clues about famous fictional characters (e.g., Ron Weasley, Katniss Everdeen, Darna).
- Describing personalities of known characters (e.g., Valentina, Elsa, Loki) based on their roles.
- Sample character description (Anna) as a guide for character creation.
Building Believable Characters
- Characters should have strengths and flaws to feel realistic and relatable.
- Consider physical appearance, personality, habits, motivations, and weaknesses.
- Real-life traits and people can inspire fictional characters.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Protagonist — main character driving the story’s action.
- Antagonist — character who creates obstacles for the protagonist.
- Dynamic Character — character who changes significantly during the story.
- Static Character — character who remains the same.
- Round Character — complex, well-developed character.
- Flat Character — simple, one-dimensional character.
- Fiction — literature derived from imagination.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Create your own fictional character by writing 1-2 paragraphs describing their appearance, personality, flaws, and motivations.
- Post your character with the hashtag “#etherlikecreativewriting” for a chance to be featured next week.
- Review the difference between character types as discussed in class.