Elements of Fiction (SWS)

Elements of fiction

Even among writing instructors and bestselling authors, there is little consensus regarding the number and composition of the fundamental elements of fiction. For example:

• "Fiction has three main elements: plotting, character, and place or setting." Morrell, Jessica Page. Between the Lines: Master the Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing (2006), page 151.
• "A charged image evokes all the other elements of your story—theme, character, conflict, setting, style, and so on." Writer's Digest Handbook of Novel Writing (1992), page 160.
• "For writers, the spices you add to make your plot your own include characters, setting, and dialogue." Bell, James Scott. Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure (2004), page 16.
• "Contained within the framework of a story are the major story elements: characters, action, and conflict." Evanovich, Janet. How I Write (2006), page 83.
• " . . . I think point of view is one of the most fundamental elements of the fiction-writing craft . . . ." Selgin, Peter. By Cunning & Craft: Sound Advice and Practical Wisdom for Fiction Writers (2007), page 41.

As stated by Janet Evanovich in How I Write (page 83), "Effective writing requires an understanding of the fundamental elements of storytelling, such as point of view, dialogue, and setting." The debate continues as to the number and composition of the fundamental elements of fiction.

Conflict Plot Character Setting Theme

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