Elements

of Prose
Module 1.E

ELEMENTS OF SHORT STORY/NOVEL

ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
TYPES OF ESSAY Bebelyn G. Velasco
 Elements of
Short Story/
Novel
I. Characterization
Characterization is a literary device that is used to
highlight and explain the details of a character in a
story. It is in the initial stage in which the writer
introduces the character with noticeable
emergence. After introducing the character, the
writer often talks about his behavior; then, as the
story progresses, the thought processes of the
character.
I. Characterization

Dramatic/Indirect

Expository/ Direct
 I. Characterization
Dramatic Expository
(Indirect Characterization) (Direct Characterization)

It is when the readers deduce the trait It is when character traits are explicitly
of the characters' thoughts, words, brought out by the writer using
actions and decisions. They infer the descriptive words. The writer describes
characteristics of these characters from the character's physical traits and
what they say and do. personality.

 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Protagonist
The protagonist is likely a pretty familiar concept for most of us:
this is the main character, the big cheese, the star of the show.
Most of the action centers around them, and they’re the one we’re
meant to care about the most.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Antagonist
Often, this is the person that stands in the way of whatever the main
character is trying to achieve. Antagonists will set out all kinds of
roadblocks and be the source of several drama-filled scenes.
Interestingly, the antagonist doesn't have to be another person. It can
be something the protagonist is facing internally, like addiction,
anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Dynamic
A dynamic character is one who evolves or changes
significantly over time. This label is often reserved for the
main character, given the conflict they're trying to
overcome. If they come out the other side, they've typically
grown or evolved in some way.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Round
This is someone with a complex personality. They're neither
overtly kind nor innately cruel. They may act inconsistently,
rather than follow a smooth arc. Somewhere deep down,
they're most likely conflicted and, to the main character and
the readers, perhaps even a little contradictory.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Static
The static charcter is the one who doesn’t change. Many
static characters are simply flat, and having too many is
usually a symptom of lazy writing. However, certain kinds can
serve a larger purpose in a story.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Flat
A flat character is the opposite of the round character. These
characters may be overtly kind or inanely cruel - and it
shows. When you think of a flat character, you'll immediately
perceive one characteristic and that will, essentially, define
who they are. In contrast to the complex nuance of a round
character, a flat character is simple and obvious.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Stock Character
Unlike other characters, the characters of this type are of no
much value in a story. They are usually stereotypical and are
conventionally used repeatedly in the stories of a particular
type. They are like any guy found in the stories who just take
the space but doesn’t have any impact on the plot. They just
come and go and are generally not recognized by the
readers.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Foil
A foil is a character (often the antagonist) whose qualities
stand in stark contrast to another character (often the
protagonist). This contrast provides the reader with a better
understanding of each character.
For example, if the protagonist is loyal, brave, and morally
sound, each of those qualities will be augmented every time
we read more about the foil character who's disloyal,
cowardly, and selfish.
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Deuteragonist
This is the character who’s not exactly in the spotlight, but pretty
close to it. They’re often seen in the company of the protagonist
— giving advice, plotting against their rivals, and generally lending
a helping hand. Their presence and close relationship to the
protagonist gives the story warmth and heart, so it’s not just
about the hero’s journey, but about the friends they make along
the way .
 I. Characterization
Types of Characters

Symbolic Character
A symbolic character is used to represent something larger and
more important than themselves, which usually ties into the
overall message of the book or series. This type must also be used
sparingly — or at least subtly, so the reader doesn’t feel like the
symbolism is too heavy-handed. As a result, the true nature of a
symbolic character may only be fully understood at the very end
of a story.
II. Setting
It is the locale and period in which the story occurs.
It initiates the main backdrop and the mood of the
story.

The setting can be:

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
TIME
WEATHER CONDITION
SOCIAL CONDITION
III. Theme
The idea that is drawn onthe readers when he
comes to the end of the story.

It is the insight worth-keeping and sharing.

It is the proposition or a statement and not just a

topic or subject matter.
IV. Point of View
Point of view (POV) is what the character or
narrator tells the story about. The author chooses
“who” to tell the story by determining the point of
view. Depending on who the narrator is, he/she will
be standing at one point seeing the action. This
viewpoint will give the narrator a partial or whole
view of events as they happen.
IV. Point of View
First Person Point of View
It is when the writer narrates the story by using the personal
pronoun “I” who may be the central character or a minor
figure who either observes or participates in the action.

Third Person Limited POV (Camera Eye Technique)

It is when the unidentified author refers to his characters in
the third person but limits himself by telling only what can
be seen or heard inside the world of the story.
IV. Point of View
Third Person Central POV
It is when the narrator refers to his characters in the third person
but limits himself to narrating only what the character thinks,
feels, does and what and whom the central character can observe.

Omniscient POV
It is when the narrator acts as if he knows everything that
happens including the thoughts of the characters.
V. Plot
Plot is a literary device that writers use to structure
what happens in a story. It is a combined sequence
of events. It presents an event, action, or turning
point that creates conflict or raises a dramatic
question leading to subsequent events that are
connected to each other as a means of “answering”
the dramatic question and conflict.
 V. Plot
Kinds of Conflict
It is a clash of actions, ideas, desires or wills
Man vs. God
This is when characters face off against deities much larger and
more powerful than themselves. Stories that utilize this type of
conflict usually revolve around it, and they’re great for
emphasizing the character’s determination to win despite the
odds.

Man vs. Nature

In a nature conflict, a character is set in opposition to nature. This
can mean the weather, the wilderness, or a natural disaster.
 V. Plot
Kinds of Conflict

Man vs. Society

It is an external conflict that occurs in literature when the
protagonist is placed in opposition with society, the government,
or a cultural tradition or societal norm of some kind. Characters
may be motivated to take action against their society by a need
to survive, a moral sense of right and wrong, or a desire for
happiness, freedom, justice, or love.
 V. Plot
Kinds of Conflict

Man vs. Man

This is the most traditional type of conflict. This is also known as
person vs. person, or character vs. character. It involves two or
more characters that oppose each other. That could mean they
physically fight each other, argue, or indirectly try to sabotage
the other in some way.
 V. Plot
Kinds of Conflict

Man vs. Himself

This is an internal conflict, meaning that the opposition the
character faces is coming from within. This may entail a struggle
to discern what the moral or “right” choice is, or it may also
encompass mental health struggles.
 V. Plot
Devices in Plot
1. Chronological Arrangement-it is a plot that starts from the
beginning of the events.
2. Medias Res- it is a plot that begins in the middle.
3. Flashback- it is when past events are shown to justify the conflict at
present.
4. Foreshadowing- it is when author presents insignificant events or
details of the present to take on value by being indicators of future
events.
5. Stream of Consciousness- it is a continuous and random flow of
ideas, feelings, sensation, association and perception as they register
on the protagonist's consciousness. (An example on the next slide)
 ...My friends keep telling me that I am inlove. Ugh! I'm going
to give my cousin a hand when I get home. She's having a
hardtime chhosing for a birthday present. I suppose I am in
love. My classmates are actually biased about “old
maidenism”. I gues there is nothing wrong iwth being an old
maid, but I hope I won't be one. My brown shoes are worth
the price I paid for them.
 Climax
This is identified as
the highest point of
interest in a story

Falling Action
Rising Action
This is the period
It is a part of the plot after the dramatic
where problems start confrontation of the
to show. climax. A part of the
story where conflicts
are etheir resolved
or not.

Exposition or Denouement/
Inciting Moment Conclusion
The introductory portion of the This is the final outcome of the story.
story. It exposes the characters, the Often it's where all the secrets or
setting and others. symbols are revealed and loose ends are
tied up.
VI. Tone
This refers to the attitude of a writer towards the
subject he is writing about.
Tone is achieved through word choice (diction),
sentence construction and word order (syntax),
and by what the viewpoint character focuses on.

VII. Symbol
This is a concrete object, action or word that
represents something larger than itself.
Elements of
Drama
 I. Plot
It is the overall structure of a play.

Conflict
Person against Person
It is when the main character's goal is
obstructed by another character or
multiple characters.
 I. Plot
Conflict
Person against Environment
It is when a character is struggling against
the forces of nature, deities, society and
other external factor aside from other
characters.

Person against Himself

It is a type of conflict that takes place inside a character's
mind. This usually involves the main character's inner struggle
with self-doubts, a moral dilemma, or their own nature.
 II. Characters CHARACTER TYPES:
The participants in the play.
Protagonist
Direct Presentation Antagonist
Dynamic
It is when author tells us straight out who
Round
a certain character is.
Static
Indirect Presentation Flat
It is when the author shows us the Stock
character in action. The audience infer Foil
what a character is like from what she/he Deteragonist
thinks, or says or does. Symbolic
III. Theme
The controling idea or cetral insight of a play.

IV. Dialogue
The exchange of ideas by charactres in a
play. It gives information, reveals character,
directs play and audience attention. It also
reveals play themes, controls tempo and
rhythm.
V. Music
The sound of a play. This could be the sound of human
voice, sound effects and sound provided by intruments for
mood or rhythm.

VI. Spectacle
The visual elements of a play. It gives
information about the locale, time and style
of a production. It also establishes the mood
of a play.
 VIII. Point of View

Omniscient
A story told by the author, using the third person; his/her
knowledge, control and prerogatives are unlimited.

Limited Omniscient
A story in which the author associates in a major or minor
character; this character serves as the author's
spokesperson or mouthpiece.
 VIII. Point of View

First Person
The author identifies with or disappears in a major or minor
character; the story is told using the first person “I”

Objective or Dramatic
The opposite of omniscient.
Very little of the past or the future is given; the story is set in
the present.
IX. Symbol
A literary symbol means more than what it is. It has
layer of meanings.

❖Names are used as a symbol

❖Objects are used as a symbol
❖Actions are used as a symbol
 X. Irony
It is used to suggest the difference between appearance
and reality, between expectation and fulfillment. It is the
opposite of what is expected in the story.

Verbal Irony
It is the opposite is said from whatis intended.
It occurs when a speaker’s intention is the
opposite of what he or she is saying.
 X. Irony
Dramatic Irony
It is the contrast of what the character says and what the
character knows to be true. This occurs when the actual result
of a situation is totally different from what you’d expect the
result to be.
Irony of Situation
It is the discrepancy between the appearance and reality, or
between expectation and fulfillment. This occurs when the
audience knows something that is going on in a situation but the
characters are unaware of what is going on.
Essay
It is a piece of prose writing which expresses the
thoughts, attitudes and opinion of a writer on various
subjects.
The word Essay is derived from exagium (Lt.) which
means to weigh, to try or from essai (Fr.) which means
to attempt.
Michael de Montaigne is known as the Father of the
Essay, who first attempted to write his personal
observations, reflections, and experiences in his book
entitled ESSAIS, a prose type of writing that is now
popularly known as essay.
 Types of Essay
1. Narrative
Narrative essays tell a story and often are the most personal
type of essay you may write. This allows you to exercise creativity
and imagination, and you can base them on a particular prompt.

2. Descriptive
Descriptive essays provide a detailed description of your subject. This
may be a person, place, thing or event. Descriptive essays like narrative
essays allow for a more creative approach to writing. Unlike narrative
essays, which provide a complete story, descriptive essays often focus
only on the subject.
 Types of Essay
3. Expository
Expository essays explain a topic neutrally. Writers use
expository essays to demonstrate their knowledge or expertise
in a certain area. These essays often avoid emotion or opinion
and instead focus on factual information.
4. Definition
Definition essays are a type of exposition essay that defines a term or
idea. These essays typically examine complex or abstract topics and
provide in-depth analysis and explanations. Definition essays are
common in academic and research settings.
 Types of Essay
5. Process
Process essays describe how to do something or how something
works. You can write a process essay in chronological order to
maintain organization and clarity.

6. Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast essays discuss two subjects and detail the
similarities and differences between them.
 Types of Essay
7. Argumentative
Argumentative essays try to convince the reader to take a
certain side based on the information the writer presents.
Argumentative essays rely on facts rather than emotion to sway
the readers.

8. Persuasive
Persuasive essays aim to persuade readers to have an opinion or take a
side using facts and emotional appeals. To support an argument or
cause, persuasive essays can include moral and emotional reasoning to
connect to the reader.
 Types of Essay
9. Cause and Effect
Cause and effect essays detail why certain events or situations led
to other events. Writers create a clear connection between the two
sets of events or circumstances and explain what features of the
initiating event created the subsequent incidents.
10. Critical
Critical essays provide an in-depth analysis of a topic. It is used to critique
paintings, books, movies, plays or restaurants. Critical essays is a way to test
students' ability to think critically and identify evidence from a specific work that
validates their observations. Critical essays use facts from the subject to justify an
opinion.