English Notes
Elements of a Story
Character
A character is a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a story or other literary work.
Setting
The setting of a story is the time and place in which it happens. Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.
Plot
A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.
Conflict
The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a story. The main character is actually on one side of the central conflict.
On the other side, the main character may struggle against another important character, against the forces of nature, against society, or even against something inside himself or herself (feelings, emotions, illness).
Theme
The theme is the central idea or belief in a story.
Truce in the Forest
By Fritz Vinkcen
Characters:
Mother
Son
Jim
Robin
Harry
Hanz
Willi
German corporal
Setting:
Christmas Eve in 1944
Hurtgen Forest near the German-Belgian border
Plot:
It was Christmas eve when 3 Americans (their enemy) knocked in the cottage of a mother and her son. The mother took them in and healed Harry- the wounded one, and cooked for them (Jim, Robin, Harry). Just as they were setting the table, there came another knock. The son was familiar of the uniforms the men were wearing, they were Germans (German corporal, Heinz, Willi) who was lost and will stay then continue their trip at daylight. The mother will take them in and will be served with a hot meal with a one condition, and that is to not kill each other inside. She ordered everyone to hand out their weapons. While the son was helping to cook more potatoes, a German inspected the wounded soldier when he heard Harry moan. They were all relaxed after their meal.
Just before midnight, they all stood up looking to the star of Bethlehem except for Harry who was sleeping. It was as if they had all
Character
A character is a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a story or other literary work.
Setting
The setting of a story is the time and place in which it happens. Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.
Plot
A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.
Conflict
The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a story. The main character is actually on one side of the central conflict.
On the other side, the main character may struggle against another important character, against the forces of nature, against society, or even against something inside himself or herself (feelings, emotions, illness).
Theme
The theme is the central idea or belief in a story.
Truce in the Forest
By Fritz Vinkcen
Characters:
Mother
Son
Jim
Robin
Harry
Hanz
Willi
German corporal
Setting:
Christmas Eve in 1944
Hurtgen Forest near the German-Belgian border
Plot:
It was Christmas eve when 3 Americans (their enemy) knocked in the cottage of a mother and her son. The mother took them in and healed Harry- the wounded one, and cooked for them (Jim, Robin, Harry). Just as they were setting the table, there came another knock. The son was familiar of the uniforms the men were wearing, they were Germans (German corporal, Heinz, Willi) who was lost and will stay then continue their trip at daylight. The mother will take them in and will be served with a hot meal with a one condition, and that is to not kill each other inside. She ordered everyone to hand out their weapons. While the son was helping to cook more potatoes, a German inspected the wounded soldier when he heard Harry moan. They were all relaxed after their meal.
Just before midnight, they all stood up looking to the star of Bethlehem except for Harry who was sleeping. It was as if they had all