Learning Packet 2 - Elements, Devices, and Techniques of Fiction

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PONTIFICAL AND ROYAL
UNIVERISTY OF SANTO TOMAS
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITYOF THE PHILIPPINES
Senior High School
Creative Writing
1st Term, S.Y. 2020-2021

This learning packet will be used during asynchronous classes. It will give
you a grasp on how to fully understand the Elements, Devices, and
Techniques of Fiction. Enriching and broadening your knowledge will help
you appreciate the craft of Creative Writing more.
In using this learning packet, you will be provided with required
readings, suggested readings, supplemental videos and assessments. Follow
the instructions given that are aligned with the lecture of your Creative Writing
teacher.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Provided below are the things that you need to complete. Make sure to tick on the box once
you have accomplished the task.
MY TO DO TASKS: ACCOMPLISHED
Enrich your vocabulary through the KEYWORDS
Answer the discussion board forum (PRE-‐‑TEST)
Scan the CONTENT OUTLINE
Peruse on the DISCUSSION POINTS
I. Elements of Fiction

II. Techniques and Devices of Fiction

Read and analyze the LITERARY TEXT FOR DISCUSSION

Contemplate on the GUIDE QUESTIONS and be ready to discuss them during

synchronous classes.
Watch the SUPPLEMENTAL VIDEOS and check out the additional LINKS
Lastly, determine your knowledge by answering the POST TEST


TOPIC COVERAGE
Learning Packet 2
Elements, Devices, and Techniques of Fiction
DATE
September 1. 2020-‐‑September 8, 2020
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to:
1. Identify the various elements, devices, and techniques of Fiction;
2. Produce at least one striking scene for a short story.

THESE WILL BE YOUR TARGET COMPETENCIES
At the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to:
1. Develop your creative and critical thinking skills;
2. Improve your analytical skills.
KEYWORDS
• Fictional elements – elements that make up a fictional work or story.
• Fictional devices – are tools that writers use to emphasize or express their ideas in their
story.
• Fictional techniques – strategies employed in writing a work of Fiction in order to
increase its quality.
PRE-‐‑TEST
Answer the questions in the pre-‐‑test. Refer to the Discussion Board Forum.
o Which element of Fiction do you think will play the most important role as you begin to
write your project for this class?
o How do you think Raymond Queneau’s work will influence your own output?

CONTENT OUTLINE
I. Elements of Fiction
II. Techniques and Devices of Fiction
III. Literary Text for Discussion: “Notation” by Raymond Queneau
IV. Guide Questions
V. Supplemental Videos and Links
VI. Post-‐‑Test

DISCUSSION POINTS

Source: https://www.azquotes.com/author/8404-‐‑Jhumpa_Lahiri
“That’s what books are for…to travel without moving an inch.”
-‐‑Jhumpa Lahiri
Now that you have been introduced to the art and craft of Creative Writing
along with the various forms of Fiction, it is time to enhance your knowledge further
by learning more about the genre. By now, you are probably thick into drafting your
own writing projects for class. In order to help you to write better stories, this
learning packet will give you an overview of the elements, devices, and techniques
of Fiction. Are you ready to embark on a new learning journey? Let’s begin!


ELEMENTS OF FICTION
There are seven major elements of Fiction:

1. Plot
Plot is defined as a sequence of events with causality. This means that there is a logical
link between events, a cause-‐‑and-‐‑effect. Plot is what shapes the story. It constitutes the
story’s beginning, middle, and end. Plot can also be seen as character in conflict and action.
Plot is most correlated to movement. (Source: Fundamentals of Creative Writing by
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard)
Established by the German novelist Gustav Freytag, the popular Freytag’s Plot
Pyramid depicts the traditional plot structure.

Gustav Freytag
(Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gustav_Freytag_by_Karl_Stauffer-‐‑
Bern_1886-‐‑1887.jpg)
Below is an illustration of Freytag’s Plot Pyramid:

(Source: https://www.clearvoice.com/blog/what-‐‑is-‐‑freytags-‐‑pyramid-‐‑dramatic-‐‑
structure/)
Let us briefly discuss the elements of plot.

a. The exposition is also known as the introduction. The setting, point of view, and the
main character’s situation at the beginning of the story are introduced here.
b. The rising action is where the inciting incident—the event that pushes the story into
motion—occurs. The protagonist encounters more and more difficulties along the story as
he or she progresses.
c. The climax is the highest point in the story. This is where the protagonist needs to make
decisions with long-‐‑lasting consequences.
d. The falling action is also referred to as the denouement or the “untangling of knots in the
story. This is where the consequences resulting from the choices made by the character are
dealt with.
e. The resolution refers simply to the ending of the story where every point is accounted for.
(Source: Creative Writing by Louyzza Maria Victoria H. Vasquez and Gabriella
Lee)

Now that you know more about the plot, you will be able to write your own
fiction project more effectively. Here is a question to ponder on: Which of the plot
elements do you find most interesting or useful? Why so?
2. Conflict
The second element of plot is conflict. In Literature and Creative Writing, conflict is what
makes stories possible. It is important to note that without conflict, a story would have no
drama. No drama means no story. Conflict may be external (e.g. an earthquake or a
tsunami) or internal, happening inside the character. (Source: Fundamentals of Creative
Writing by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard)

Let us briefly discuss the types of conflict:
a. Man vs. man refers to an external conflict, in which two or more characters are
up against each other because of different motivations.
b. Man vs. himself refers to an internal conflict, in which the characters struggle
with themselves regarding moral or ethical choices.
c. Man vs. nature refers to an external conflict, in which the characters are up
against forces of nature or circumstances over which they have no control.
Lee)
d. Man vs. society refers to a conflict that portrays a struggle between what a
character and what a society demands or expects. (Source:
https://www.nownovel.com/blog/man-‐‑vs-‐‑society-‐‑story-‐‑conflicts/)
e. Man vs. technology refers to a dilemma that arises when a character’s reliance
on technology grows beyond its intended use. (Source:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-‐‑is-‐‑character-‐‑vs-‐‑technology-‐‑
conflict-‐‑learn-‐‑about-‐‑the-‐‑literary-‐‑conflict-‐‑with-‐‑examples)

Using your newly-‐‑acquired knowledge about conflict, reflect on the
personal conflicts that you may be facing at the moment. What kind of conflicts
are these? What good qualities do you possess in order to rise above them. Take
your reflections further and ponder on the various conflicts that our country and
the whole world are facing due to the pandemic. What would be some of your
recommendations in order to put an end to these?

3. Character
Characters are the people who live within the world of the story. Let us take a look at
the table below to fully understand the different types of characters.
Presence Position Characterization Movement

refers to how refers to whether refers to the refers to how far
often we see the reader is manner of the plot of your
characters in the against or creating or characters moves
story. supportive of the portraying a along.
motivation of the character in the
character. story.
Major Protagonist Round Dynamic
characters are is the major characters are characters usually
usually point of character whose portrayed using exist throughout
view characters motivation the all three aspects the entire plot. A
and are central to audience believes of character: change usually
the plot of the and empathizes appearance, occurs in their
story. with. attributes, and characterization.
aspirations.
Minor Antagonist Flat Static
only appear in is the major characters are Characters usually
specific scenes or character whose usually portrayed exist only during a
have a specific motivation the using only one or certain section of
role and are not audience does not two aspects of a the plot. Their
central to the plot believe or character. They characterization
of the story. empathize with. exist to support does not change.
round characters.

(Source: Creative Writing by Louyzza Maria Victoria H. Vasquez and Gabriella Lee)
4. Point of view
Point of view is the most complex element of Fiction. It is ultimately concerned with
the relationship between the writer, characters, and readers. Since we are dealing with the
page, it is best translated into “perspective” or “who speaks, to whom, and in what form?”
(Source: Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway)
There are three main basic types of point of view.
a. First-‐‑person
This point of view is typically used in Nonfiction, but can also be used in Fiction. It
uses the I perspective. The speaker is usually the main character.
b. Second-‐‑person
This point of view uses the “you” perspective. It is usually used by the author when
he or she wants to engage his or her readers. This point of view is usually known as the
cinematic point of view because it makes the reader feel as though he or she is the main
character in the story.
c. Third-‐‑person
This point of view uses the “he, she, it, they…” perspective. The narrator in the third-‐‑
person story is usually an observer of the action that is taking place. The third-‐‑person
point of view is also known as the fly-‐‑on-‐‑the-‐‑wall point of view.

Points of View Pros Cons
First • Intimacy • Limited

• Can create a deep • Based on
bond between observation (and
character and speculation of the
reader consciousness)
Second • Places the reader • Can be gimmicky

in the character’s • Unorthodox
shoes
• Requires
technical control
Third (Limited) • Not bound to one • Requires control
Third (Omniscient) consciousness of the
• Distance is consciousness
modulated by the being used.
reader and the • Multiple points of
consciousness view can be
• The writer must problematic
limit or select unless the writer
what the narrator sets out to mark
talks about that for the
readers
• Once you • What appears
introduce the unconventional
POV character, be might remove the
consistent readers from
their suspension
of disbelief.
Lee)
5. Setting
Simply put, setting is the time and place (or the when and where) of the story. It’s a
literary element of literature used in novels, short stories, plays, films, etc., and usually
introduced during the exposition (beginning) of the story, along with the characters. The
setting may also include the environment of the story, which can be made up of the
physical location, climate, weather, or social and cultural surroundings.
Setting does not mean scenery. Far more than just a painted backdrop against
which events play out, the setting is a vital force that impinges on the characters and their
situations. The setting influences their behavior and provides obstacles that must be
overcome. It creates moods and affects emotions for emotions and readers alike.
The setting establishes the physical and cultural landscape of your invented world.
It provides the story’s ambiance, the atmosphere that surrounds the characters and
readers alike. Rather than a travelogue with long descriptive passages, the setting is most
effectively rendered by showing the characters in action within it. Through careful
selection of details, you can draw readers directly into the story world, letting us
experience it by looking over the characters’ shoulders and even through their eyes.
The story world can be modeled on a real place or it can be wholly imagined. It can
be restrictive or expansive, small or large: a room, a building, a neighborhood, a city, a
region, a planet. Settings are frequently layered, with smaller ones contained within larger
ones: we are in this room in this house in this neighborhood in this region. Each layer
contributes to the richness of the fictional environment.
As a story moves from scene to scene, the setting changes but always remains
within the parameters of the story world. Occasionally, the setting is the story.
(Source:
https://literaryterms.net/setting/#:~:text=Setting%20is%20the%20time%20and,story
%2C%20along%20with%20the%20characters)

If you were to write your own story, where would you set it and why? Do you
think that the setting of a story can also be considered a character? In thinking about
these questions, recall our previous discussion on what qualifies as a probable
story, and the quote:

(Source: https://noreenlace.com/quote-‐‑and-‐‑by-‐‑the-‐‑way-‐‑everything-‐‑in-‐‑life-‐‑is-‐‑
writable-‐‑about-‐‑if-‐‑you-‐‑have-‐‑the-‐‑outgoing-‐‑guts-‐‑to-‐‑sylvia-‐‑plath-‐‑23-‐‑30-‐‑34/)

6. Dialogue
The conversational exchange between the characters in a story is called a dialogue. Often,
dialogue is used as a means of characterization, as well as a means to move the plot along.
If a writer is skilled, a story can be written made of pure dialogue.
The following are the types of dialogue:
a. Direct dialogue refers to dialogue that uses the character’s actual words. In this case,
quotation marks are used.
b. Indirect dialogue is dialogue that comes from a second-‐‑hand report of what was said or
written, but not the exact words. (Source: https://www.time4writing.com/writing-‐‑
resources/dialogue-‐‑in-‐‑narrative-‐‑essays/)

7. Mood and tone
Mood and tone refers to the attitude of the writer toward his subject matter or
writing. It relies exclusively on the writer’s personal feelings or opinions towards the topic
he or she is writing about.
Mood has to do with the atmosphere that pervades in a piece of writing.
Lee)
Consider now the mood and tone of your own writing. Read your flash fiction
draft and ask yourself about your personal opinion on its quality. Do you like the
topic you chose to write about? Why? Why not?

TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES IN FICTION
Good job! You have now reached the second segment of our genre discussion of
Fiction. Now, we will be discussing the devices used in writing a fictional work.
Fictional devices are tools that writers use to emphasize or express their ideas in
their story. Let us begin our exploration of some literary techniques and devices!

1. An allegory is a literary device where every aspect of a story is a representative, usually
symbolic of something else, usually a larger abstract concept or important historical or
geopolitical event. (Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/23223742/Literary-‐‑
Devices)


ex. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding(Source:
https://www.pluggedin.com/book-‐‑reviews/lord-‐‑of-‐‑the-‐‑flies/)
2. Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds within close proximity, usually within the
sentence. (Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/23223742/Literary-‐‑Devices)
ex. She sell seashells by the seashore.
3. Allusion refers to the brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea
of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.(Source:
https://literarydevices.net/allusion/)
ex. The rise of poverty will unlock a Pandora’s box of crimes.
4. Anastrophe is the inversion of words in a sentence. (Source:
https://www.softschools.com/examples/grammar/anastrophe_examples/151/#:~:text=
Anastrophe%20refers%20to%20the%20inversion,by%20frequent%20use%20of%20an
astrophe.)
ex. “Strong in the Force, you are,” says Yoda.
5. Anthromorphism portrays animals and inanimate objects as people, giving them human
characteristics. (Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/23223742/Literary-‐‑
Devices)
ex. Animal Farm by George Orwell

(Source: http://remixxworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/george-‐‑orwells-‐‑animal-‐‑farm-‐‑
animated.html)
6. Aphorism is a short, concise statement of a general truth, insight, or good advice.
(Source: https://literaryterms.net/glossary-‐‑of-‐‑literary-‐‑terms/#a)
ex. “A bad penny always turns up.”
7. Chiasmus -‐‑ comes from a Greek word meaning “crossed,” and it refers to a grammatical
structure that inverts a previous phrase. That is, you say one thing, and then you say
something very similar, but flipped around. (Source:
https://literaryterms.net/glossary-‐‑of-‐‑literary-‐‑terms/#c)
ex. “Live simply so that others might simply live.” -‐‑ Mahatma Gandhi
8. Euphemism-‐‑ is a polite, mild phrase that we substitute for a harsher, blunter way of
saying something uncomfortable. (Source: https://literaryterms.net/glossary-‐‑of-‐‑literary-‐‑
terms/#e)
ex. “We have to let you go, sir.” Here, “let you go” means “to fire you.”
9. Foreshadowing gives the audience hints or signs about the future. It suggests
what is to come through imagery, language, and/or symbolism. (Source:
https://literaryterms.net/foreshadowing/ )
10. Hyperbole
11. Imagery is language used to create images in the mind of the reader. Imagery
includes figurative and metaphorical language to improve the reader’s experience
through their senses.
NOTE: One of the golden rules in writing is to SHOW DON’T TELL. Using your senses to
create images instead of abstractions will help you do this. We will discuss this further in
class.
12. Irony happens when there are two contradictory meanings of the same situation,
event, image, sentence, phrase, or story. In many cases, this refers to the difference
between expectations and reality. (Source: https://literaryterms.net/glossary-‐‑of-‐‑
literary-‐‑terms/#i)
ex. “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette (Click the link to listen to the song!)
There are countless literary techniques and devices that you may use in
order to help you write a great story. Check out the additional link provided
in the SUPPLEMENTAL VIDEOS AND LINKS section in order to see a more
comprehensive list.
LITERARY TEXT FOR DISCUSSION: “Notation” by Raymond Queneau

The literary text in focus for this learning packet is an excerpt titled “Notation”
from Raymond Queneau’s “Exercises in Style”. Before entering the world of his short
piece, let us first get to know Queneau as an author.

Raymond Queneau (1903-76) was a poet, novelist,

editor, scholar, and mathematician. A co-founder
of the Oulipo movement, he is best recommended
for Exercises in Style and Zazie in the Metro.
(Source: Exercises in Style by Raymond Queneau)

(Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/194428908885961482/)

Read the short excerpt below and contemplate on the GUIDE QUESTIONS that
follow. Be ready to discuss some of your key insights about the text during the
synchronous session.

Notation
(from Exercises in Style by Raymond Queneau)
On the S bus, in the rush hour. A chap about twenty-‐‑six, soft with a cord
instead of a ribbon, neck too long, as if someone’s been tugging at it. People
getting off. The chap in question gets annoyed with one of the men standing
next to him. He accuses him of jostling him every time anyone goes past. A
sniveling tone which is meant to be aggressive. When he sees a vacant seat he
throws himself onto it.
Two hours later, I come across him in the Cour de Rome, in front of the Gare
Saint-‐‑Lazare. He’s with a friend who’s saying: “You ought to get an extra button
put on your overcoat.” He shows him where (at the lapels) and why.


GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. Using what you have learned about flash fiction as a genre, give a short critique on the
excerpt in focus.
2. What elements of fiction are present in the short excerpt?

Should you want to read the entire book, a PDF copy of Exercises in Style has been
provided in the COURSE MATERIALS section of your course site. It’s an interesting
read and will help in enriching our current lessons and your understanding of
literary elements, techniques, and devices.
There are many other great writers who employ the same, if not similar, narrative
techniques as our literary text in focus. In the next segment, SUPPLEMENTARY
VIDEOS, links are provided.

SUPPLEMENTARY VIDEOS and LINKS

• A Review of Raymond Queneau’s Exercises in Style:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_93uLQnwJYo
This video discusses how Raymond Queneau tells one small story in
ninety-‐‑nine different ways. Also, it explains how to take a mundane
experience and tell it in many interesting ways.

• Flash Fiction for Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5vsMc-‐‑hX00
This video expounds on the structure of flash fiction and some techniques
to consider in writing it.

• The 5S’s of Flash Fiction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVGTtrTXhkA
In this video, the speaker suggests the 5Ss to consider in writing flash fiction.
• A Dictionary of Literary Terms
https://literaryterms.net/
Click this link to access a more comprehensive list of literary terms and their
definitions.

Did you enjoy watching the supplementary videos and additional links? Which of
the three was your favorite? What new information did you acquire from watching
them? Aside from flash fiction, there are so many other forms of Fiction that you can
explore. Now that you are equipped with the proper information, let us check your
mastery of these new concepts on the genre! You may now proceed to the 20-‐‑item
POST-‐‑TEST that can be found in your Blackboard.

POST-‐‑TEST
To test your mastery on the topics discussed, answer the 20-‐‑item post-‐‑test to be
uploaded after the lesson’s discussion. Good luck!

Congratulations! You have reached the end of the second learning packet! Now
that you have dove deep into the world of Fiction, you may consider yourself a
budding storyteller! Any questions you may have will be answered by your guru
during the synchronous meetings.
We have come to the end of the first part of our journey into the world of Creative
Writing. Next stop: an exploration into the depths of the beautiful sea of Poetry!
Can’t wait to take you along! See you all there.


REFERENCES:

Brainard, C.M. (2009). Fundamentals of Creative Writing. Mandaluyong: Anvil Publishing.
Burroway, J. (2006). Narrative Craft: A Guide to Writing Fiction. USA: Longman
Publishing.
Vasquez, M.V. et.al. (2017). Creative Writing. Nicanor Reyes St.: Rex Publishing.
Prepared by:
Zendy Victoria Sue G. Valencia, LPT, M.A.

Mary Ann M. Majul, LPT, M.A.
John Abhram P. Gojo Cruz, LPT
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I. Elements of Fiction

Read and analyze the LITERARY TEXT FOR DISCUSSION

Let us briefly discuss the elements of plot.

Presence Position Characterization Movement

First • Intimacy • Limited

Second • Places the reader • Can be gimmicky

LITERARY TEXT FOR DISCUSSION: “Notation” by Raymond Queneau

Raymond Queneau (1903-76) was a poet, novelist,

(Source: Exercises in Style by Raymond Queneau)

SUPPLEMENTARY VIDEOS and LINKS

Zendy Victoria Sue G. Valencia, LPT, M.A.

FAIR USE NOTICE and LEGAL DISCLAIMER

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