Introduction to Storytelling Elements
Grade 7 English Language Arts Discovering the Building Blocks of Great Stories
The Power of Story
'Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact.' - Robert McKee
The Three Core Elements
Plot: The sequence of events that happen in the story Character: The people (or creatures) who drive the story forward Setting: Where and when the story takes place These elements work together to create engaging narratives
Story Element Hunt
Listen to the story excerpt Identify examples of plot, character, and setting Work individually first, then share with a partner Use colored sticky notes to organize your findings
Plot: The Story's Journey
Beginning: Introduces characters and setting Middle: Presents conflict and rising action End: Resolves the conflict Think of plot as a roadmap for your story
Characters: Bringing Stories to Life
Main characters drive the story forward Supporting characters add depth and interest Each character has unique traits, goals, and challenges Characters should feel real and relatable to readers
Setting: Creating the Story World
Time: When the story takes place (past, present, future) Place: Where the story happens (city, forest, space, etc.) Mood: The atmosphere the setting creates Good settings feel real and support the story's events
Putting It All Together
How do plot, character, and setting work together? Think about your favorite story - can you identify all three elements? Which element do you think is most important? Why?