Key Elements of Story

A story is a wonderful or inspiring tale. It contains a single character or a series of characters. A story can be factual or fictional narrative. It can be a plot of fiction or drama. A story is also an account of facts, a news report, a falsehood or a legend of romance. Stories are depicted in various forms such as novel, poem, memoir, play or film. Through a story, an author tells a true or fictional tale to the readers or listeners. In simple words, an author or writer communicates information, point of view, experience or attitude. Generally, a story is a series of events that are imagined or created to tell something or answer a question to the listeners. A story has five key elements that maintain a smooth flow and allow the action to develop in a coherent manner. The important elements of a story are discussed below in detail. 

1. Characters: Characters or protagonists are the main pillars of the story. By introducing the characters in the story, an author allows readers to visualize their appearance and attitude. It is done by giving a detailed description of a character including physical features and personality. Every story encompasses a main character, which helps in developing the plot in a logical manner. Besides, other characters also play a significant role in completing the entire story.

2. Setting: Setting in a story is the location of the action. An author or writer explains the setting in such a manner that readers imagine that they are present in that location or surrounding. Sometimes, the author provides an unusual setting in the story to arouse the interest of readers. However, a normal setting generally helps readers to make a connection with the story.

3. Plot: A plot is the story that contains a proper beginning, middle and end. It provides necessary details with suspense so as to give readers an opportunity to visualize the action and understand the starting and end points of a story.

4. Conflict: A story usually contains conflict. The entire story revolves around the conflict. Besides, the characters play their roles to resolve the problem. When the action in the story becomes interesting, right before the resolution, then it is known as the climax.

5. Resolution: Resolution maintains a correct flow in the story and solves all parts of the conflicts.