Senior High School

Creative Writing
Module 4
Elements of Fiction

AIRs - LM

LU_CreativeWriting_Module4
CREATIVE WRITING
Module 4: Elements of Fiction
Second Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without written
permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Roselily A. Gamboa

Content Reviewer: Maria Jherrume L. Mercado
Language Reviewer: Maria Jherrume L. Mercado
Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team
Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr.
Design and Layout: Jackielyn G. Calderon

Management Team:
Atty. Donato D. Balderas Jr.
Schools Division Superintendent
Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
German E. Flora, PhD, CID Chief
Virgilio C. Boado, PhD, EPS in Charge of LRMS
Belen C. Aquino, Ph.D., EPS in Charge of English
Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II
Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

Printed in the Philippines by: _______________________

Department of Education – SDO La Union
Office Address: Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City, La Union
Telefax: 072 – 205 – 0046
Email Address: launion@deped.gov.ph

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 Senior High School

Creative Writing
Module 4
Elements of Fiction

LU_CreativeWriting_Module4
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities,
questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you
to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you
step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-
check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We
trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are
also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on
how they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on
any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises
and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in

answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher
or facilitator.

Thank you.

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 Target

A fiction writer should have a vast imagination in trying to incorporate her

brilliant ideas. Creativity counts most in expressing his thoughts through his
masterpiece. An output that truly catches one’s heart with a lasting memento on the
readers’ mind. A story full of thrills and excitements that basically touch one’s emotion
as an awakening from a psychological and emotional turmoil. In the same manner, other
bitter experiences of a person in his daily struggle simply boils down to the study of
fiction. Elements are indeed contributory to make the masterpiece beautiful and
interesting. Hence, the elements, techniques and devices of fiction is given emphasis in
this module. On the other hand, the novice writer is also required to write journal entries
and other short compositions incorporating the elements of fiction at the latter part.

In the previous lesson, you have mastered the concepts of poetry. In this module
your knowledge of fiction goes to a broader perspective.

This module gives you an overview about the elements, techniques and devices
of various modes of fiction which a neophyte writer needs to consider in order to come
up with an output which is conformity with literary standards.

After this lesson, it is expected that you have gained thorough knowledge
about the following:

1.Identify the various elements, techniques and literary devices in various

modes of fiction. (HUMSS_CW/plg-1-11)
2. Write journal entries and other short compositions exploring key elements of
fiction. (HUMSS_CW/plg-1-13)

Note to the Teacher

This SLM is strategically designed for independent learning. However,

as the teacher or facilitator of learning, you are highly encouraged to engage
with your learners as they go along. Some learners may find the activities
difficult and would require you to explain instructions and lesson contents
for them to be able to understand and successfully finish the module.

Your support in the success of teaching-learning is very important.

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 Lesson
Elements of Fiction
4
Jumpstart

Activity 1. Check which is Correct

Read and analyze each item carefully to identify which gives the correct or
erroneous information. Check the items which are correct and cross out those
which are not. Do this in a separate sheet of paper.
1. Fiction is make-believe, invented stories.
2. Characters apply only to persons who are involved in the story.
3. The immediate surroundings of the characters such as props in a scene:
trees, furniture, food, inside of a house or car, etc. make up the setting.
4. Plot is the order of events in the story.
5. Conflict tells how a problem is resolved.
6. Theme is also the plot of the story.
7. Point of view is simply how a story is told.
8. Mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes.
9. Tone is the attitude of the writer toward the theme or subjects of the
story.
10. Symbolism and motif are the same.

Activity 2: Read and analyze the following sentences and identify what element
and devices of fiction best describe the given situation written in bold words. Choose
your answer in the box below. Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper.

Character Setting Symbol Theme

1. Leoj and Loreen are not in good terms because the latter is a Daddy’s
girl and the former is given a meager allowance.
2. Shane, an online seller meets the supplier in Laguna Hypermarket
every Tuesday.
3. During the darkest moments of her lifer life, Shaira always keep on
fighting and guided with the dictum “Behind the clouds, the sun is still
shining “.
4. My hubby gave me three red roses during out “First Year Wedding
Anniversary “.
5. Claire shed river of tears when her mother died in Makati during the
pandemic.

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 6. Congee, our favorite pet seems to be hyperactive.
7. Her heart remains a stone throughout her life.
8. CSI serve as their rendezvous for a date.
9. She simply let her heart sleep for a decade after she experienced
emotional turmoil.
10. Joel is a Project Engineer in XYZ Logistics International.

I guess you have thoroughly imbibed the topic and answered the activities
correctly. Now, let us continue your journey in Creative Writing by trying to discover
another tidbit of wisdom.

Discover

Let us proceed to the lesson proper. Read critically the comprehensive

discussion of today’s lesson. Relax and internalize the new concepts as you start
your journey in the world of fiction.

I. ELEMENTS OF FICTION

Fiction is make-believe, invented stories. They may be short stories, fables,

vignettes, plays, novellas, or novels. Although writers may base a character on people
they have met in real life, the characters and the experiences that the character faces
in the story are not real. Characters, setting, plot, conflict, point of view, and
there are six key elements for writing fiction.

1. Characters.
Characters are the people, animals, or aliens in the story. Readers come to
know the characters through what they say, what they think, and how they ate.
M. Forster, an English novelist, identified that characters are either flat or round.
Flat characters do not play important roles in the stories. They often have only
one or two traits with little description about them. A flat character may even be
a stock character, which is a stereotypical figure that is easily recognized by
readers, for example, the mad scientist or the evil stepmother. The round
characters play an important role, often the lead roles in stories. They are
complex, dimensional, and well-developed. They often change by going through a
life-changing experience as the story unfolds.
When discussing stories with other readers and writers or when writing an
analysis of a story, fictional characters can be described as static or developing.
Static means the character stays the same throughout the story. They do not
change. Developing, also called dynamic, means the character changes.

2. Setting. Setting is where and when the story takes place. It includes the following:
• The immediate surroundings of the characters such as props in a scene:
trees, furniture, food, inside of a house or car, etc.
• The time of day such as morning, afternoon, or night.
• The weather such as cloudy, sunny, windy, snow, or rain, etc.

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 • The time of year, particularly the seasons: fall, winter, summer, spring.
• The historical period such as what century or decade the story takes
place.
• The geographical location including the city, state, country, and possibly
even the universe, if the writer is writing science fiction.
Setting can function as a main force that the characters encounter, such as a
tornado or flood, or a setting can play a minor role such as setting the mood. Often
times, the setting can reveal something about the main character as he/she
functions in that place and time period.
3. Plot. Plot is the order of events in the story. The plot usually follows a particular
structure called Freytag’s Pyramid. Gustav Freytag, a German playwright who lived
during the 1800s, identified this structure.
Freytag’s Pyramid has five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling
action, and denouement, also known as resolution. (See Figure 3.1 below.)

Source: Freytag’s Pyramid by Gustav Freytag, a German playwright

Exposition is an introduction to the characters, time, and the problem. At the point
where exposition moves into rising action a problem, sometimes called an inciting
incident, occurs for the main character to handle or solve. This creates the beginning
of the story.
Rising action includes the events that the main character encounters. Each event,
developed in separate scenes, makes the problem more complex.
Climax is the turning point in the story. Usually, it is a single event with the greatest
intensity and uncertainty. The main character must contend with the problem at this
point.
Falling action includes the events that unfold after the climax. This usually creates
an emotional response from the reader.
Denouement or resolution provides closure to the story. It ties up loose ends in the
story.
4. Conflict. Conflict is the struggle between two entities. In story writing the main
character, also known as the protagonist, encounters a conflict with the antagonist.
Following are the different types of conflict: character vs. character, character vs.
nature or natural force, character vs. society or culture, character vs.
machine or technology, character vs. God, and character vs himself or herself.

5. Point of View. Stories are generally told in one of two points of views: First-
person point of view and Third-person point of view.

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First-person point of view means that one of the characters in the story will narrate–
give an account–of the story. The narrator may be the protagonist, the main
character. Writing in first-person point of view brings the readers closer to the story.
They can read it as if they are the character because personal pronouns like I, me,
my, we, us, and us are used. Third-person point of view means that the narrator is
not in the story. The third-person narrator is not a character. Third-person point of
view can be done two ways: Third-person limited and Third-person omniscient.
Third-person limited means that the narrator limits him/herself by being able to
be in one character’s thoughts. Whereas, third-person omniscient means the
narrator has unlimited ability to be in various character’s thoughts. Writing in third-
person point of view removes readers from the story because of the pronouns he, she,
it, him, her, his, hers, they, them, and theirs.

6. Theme.A theme is not the plot of the story. It is the underlying truth that is being
conveyed in the story. Themes can be universal, meaning they are understood by
readers no matter what culture or country the readers are in. Common themes
include coming of age, circle of life, prejudice, greed, good vs. evil, beating the odds,
etc.

II. TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES OF FICTION

1. Mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers

through words and descriptions. Usually, mood is referred to as the atmosphere
of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional setting that surrounds the readers.
The mood of fiction may be developed through the following elements.
a. Setting. A particular setting not only provides background and context to
the contents of one’s story but also sets the mood of the reader.
Example:
Charles Dickens effectively created a calm and peaceful mood in the setting.
“The river, reflecting the clear blue of the sky, glistened and sparkled as it
flowed noiselessly on”. (Pickwick Papers (1836.
b. Point of View. The story is observed through the narrator’s eyes.
Accordingly, the readers always rely on the writer’s point of view of the events taking
place in a story.
Example:
“It would have been difficult to sink to a lower ebb of disorder, but to
Raskolnikov, in his present state of mind, this was positively agreeable. He had got
completely away from everyone like a tortoise in its shell, and even the sight of a
servant girl who had to wait upon him and sometimes into his room made him
writhe with nervous irritation. He was in the condition that overtakes some
monomaniacs entirely sending him in meals, and he had not yet thought of
expostulating with het, though he went without his dinner. Nastasya, the cook and
only servant, was rather pleased at the lodger’s mood and had entirely given up
sweeping and doing his room; only once a week or so she would stray into his room
with a broom. She waked him up that day.”
- Crime and Punishment (1866). Fyodor Dostoevsky

c. Diction refers to the authors choice of words. When describing the events
of her story, an author never has just one word at her disposal.
Example: Imagine that a child in a story comes home from school and
tells his parents about his day.
Tommy made fun of me, so I nicked his eye with a stick.
Tommy made fun of me, so I poked his eye with a stick.

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 The words nicked and poked have similar denotative meanings but
notice how an author’s choosing one or the other would drastically
affect how we understand how well Tommy fared.

2.Allusion. An allusion is when an author refers to the events or characters from

another story in her own story with the hopes that those events will add context or
depth to the story she's trying to tell.
Example:
One of the most alluded to texts in literature is the Bible, and specifically the
New Testament. Here is an allusion that a writer might make to the Biblical story of
Lazarus, who famously rose from the dead. Notice how using the allusion below:
Night after night our hero lay in bed with the flu, hacking mucus and
blood and seeing behind his eyelids the angels or devils come to collect him. But one
morning, like Lazarus, he was whole again.

3. Epigraph. A reference to another work that an author hopes will help readers
understand her own work. Unlike an allusion, an epigraph stands apart from the
text itself rather than being included in it.
Example:
The epigraph is from Dante's Inferno, and is meant to help Eliot's reader
understand that the poem that follows is a kind of confession.
If I but thought that my response was made
to one perhaps returning to the world,
this tongue of flame would cease to flicker.
But since, up from these depths, no one has yet returned alive, if
what I hear is true,
I answer without fear of being shame

4. Euphemism. A writer wishes to describe some graphic or offensive event using

milder imagery or phrasing. When an author does this, it's called a euphemism.
Example:
Imagine that a sports broadcaster calling the action in a baseball game has to
say into the microphone that a player has just been struck in the genitalia
with a line drive. Obviously in the interests of taste, he doesn't wish to say
'genitalia' on the air, and so instead he says
'…it's a line drive up the middle and, oh my goodness, ladies and gentlemen,
he seems to have taken one below the belt…

5. Foreshadowing. When an author hints at the ending of or at an upcoming event

in her story without fully divulging it.
Example:
At the end of Ernest Hemingway's famous novel, A Farewell to Arms, a key
character dies while it's raining. To hint at that death, Hemingway earlier in
the book includes a scene where the character admits that she is afraid of the
rain because sometimes she sees herself dead in it.

6. Imagery. When an author chooses words for their connotative associations, she
chooses sensory details for the associations or tones they evoke. This is the author's
selection of imagery.

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Example:
In Theodore Roethke's famous poem, 'My Papa's Waltz,' we see a young boy
dance with his drunken father. It's a happy memory for the boy, but also the
poem hints at the father's dangerous condition. One of the ways Roethke
achieves this is through his selection of imagery. Consider the first stanza
The whiskey on your breath
Could make a small boy dizzy;
But I hung on like death:
Such waltzing was not easy.
While there are several examples of imagery here, think specifically about
Roethke's choice of 'whiskey' as the alcohol the father is drinking

7. Metaphor. When attempting to describe an image or event, an author often will

find it useful to compare what she's describing to another image or event. This is
called metaphor, and it gives the reader a fresh, sometimes startling way of
imagining what's going on.
Example:
In Andrew Marvell's famous poem, 'To His Coy Mistress,' the speaker uses
the following metaphor to describe his fear of pending death.
But at my back I always hear
time's winged chariot hurrying near

8. Tone. It is the attitude you, as the writer assume toward the theme or subjects
of the story. The manner of how you tell the story, how you presented its theme, or
how you approached a particular subject shows the tone of your work. Tone can be
any attitude, such as formal, informal, serious, comic, sarcastic, sad, or cheerful.
Example:
“Thus, the young and pure would be taught to look at her, with the scarlet
letter framing on her breast, - at her, the child of honorable parents, -
at her, the mother of a babe, that would hereafter be a woman, - at
her, who had once been innocent, - as the figure, the body, the reality of sin.”
The Scarlet Letter (1850), Nathaniel Hawthorne

9. Symbolism and Motif

Symbolism gives the writer the freedom to add double
levels of meanings in fiction: a literal one that is self- evident and the symbolic one
whose meaning is far more profound than the literal one.
Motif. It can be seen as an image, sound, action or other figures that have a
symbolic significance and contribute toward other figures that have a symbolic
significance and contribute toward the development of the theme.

Example:
“When trying to use the motif of “light and darkness”, symbols may be
employed to signify and carry the thought of the said motif throughout the story.”

Symbolism Possible Meaning How It Carries the Motif

Storm clouds Imminent Hunger / Temporary Darkness
Problem
Moon shadows Guide Shades of light and
darkness

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 II. JOURNAL WRITING

Journal writing is the process of recording personal insights, reflections and

questions on assigned or personal topics. Journal projects assigned in class may
include your thoughts about daily experiences, reading assignments, current events
or science experiments. Journal entries are a form of reflective writing, in that you
can use them to consider and respond to something you have read or learned.

Journal writing can also provide you with the opportunity to

• Become more confident about writing

• Broaden your perspective about topics
• Gather material for later essays
• Identify progress in writing
• Overcome writing blocks
• Spend more time on self-reflection
• Write without fear of critic

Explore

Neophyte Writer Corner: Let us continue today’s lesson through various

enrichment activities in order for you to master the basic concepts you have learned
and enhance your writing skills.

Following are writing activities, CHOOSE ONE only. Be guided with the
following rubrics:

5 3 1
Complete Produce complete Some incomplete Several
Sentences sentences, correcting sentences incomplete
inappropriate sentences
fragments and run-
ones
Topic Produced a clear and Topic sentence Topic sentence
Sentences logical sentence needed was not
strengthened relevant
Relevant or Provided a sufficient More relevant or Little or no
supporting amount of relevant or supporting details details were
details supporting details needed not evident
Transition Used a variety of More transition Little or no
Words transitional words and words needed transition
phrases to manage the words were
sequence of the evident
paragraph

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 Closing Provided a conclusion Conclusion needed A conclusion
Sentences that follows the strengthened was not evident
paragraph different
from the topic
sentence
C.U.P.S Use grade level Some C.U.P.S Several C.U.P.S
capitalization, verb errors errors
usage, capitalization
and spelling

Enrichment Activity 1: Recall the most memorable experience you have had
during the lockdown in the midst of the pandemic (Covid-19 outbreak) and write it
down with yourself as lead character. Narrate the events from the first-person point
of view while following the basic plot structures.

Enrichment Activity 2: Using character as an element of fiction, write a

descriptive paragraph about someone you admire. Please be guided with the rubrics
below. Use separate sheets of paper.
Example: Mother: My Shield and Vaccine in Times of Predicament

Deepen

In this particular phase of the module, let us try to enhance your writing
skills as a novice writer. Organized your thoughts a you weave your brilliant ideas
in the printed page. Write journal entries and other short compositions exploring
key elements of fiction. Please be guided with the rubrics in the Explore part of the
lesson (Enrichment Activities).

Novice Writer Journal No. 1. Memoirs Rewind

Write a descriptive paragraph with a minimum of ten sentences which
revolve around the topic “The Star of My Life”.

Novice Writer Journal No. 2. Reflect and Plot

Recall your experiences when you were a Junior High student and vividly
craft the exposition. Use foreshadowing I. Reveal your stock knowledge

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 Gauge

Directions: Fill in the blanks. Read and analyze the following statements and write
the correct answer in a separate sheet of paper.
1.Setting is best described as the _____________ in the story.
A. Place where the story happens
B. The angle from which the author tells the story
C. The angle from which the author tells the epilogue of the story.
D. The angle from which the author tells the prologue of the story.
2.Imagery is indeed a contributory factor to make the story more interesting and
pleasing to readers’ mind.
A. Statement is false. B. Statement is illogical.
C. Statement is correct D. Statement is erroneous.
3. The main character around whose life or experience the story revolves
A. Antagonist B. Protagonist C. Static D. Villain
4. A literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words
and descriptions.
A. Character B. Mood C. Setting D. Theme
5.Gives the writer the freedom to add double levels of meanings in fiction: a literal
one that is self- evident and the symbolic one whose meaning is far more profound
than the literal one)
A. Conflict B. Irony C. Mood D. Symbolism
6.As conflicts create contraindication, events in the story may appear to be radically
different from what they actually are.
A. Character B. Irony C. Plot D. Symbol
7.The sequence of action and events in the story.
A. Epigraph B. Metaphor C. Plot D. Theme
8.When an author refers to the events or characters from another story in her own
story with the hopes that those events will add context or depth to the story she's
trying to tell.
A. Allusion B. Conflict C. Denouement D. Metaphor
9.The writer’s choice of words.
A. Diction B. Euphemism C. Jargon D. Metaphor
10.The meaty part of the story.
A. Irony B. Jargon C. Metaphor D. Plot
11. The place where the story happens.
A. Character B. Irony C. Plot D. Setting
12. The process of recording personal insights.
A. Character B. Journal C. Memoir D. Journal Writing
13. The struggle between two opposing forces.
A. Conflict B. Plot C. Point of View D. Setting
14. It is a form of reflective writing.
A. Blog B. Diary
C. Journal D. Journal Writing
15. An object used to represent another idea.
A. Irony B. Plot C. Setting D. Symbol

Great job!
You are almost done with this module

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11
Jumpstart Activity 1
1. /
2. X
3. /
4. /
5. X
6. X
7. /
8. /
9. /
Jumpstart Activity 2
1.Character
2.Setting
3.Theme
4.Symbol
5.Symbol
6. Character
7.Symbol
8.Setting
9.Symbol
10. Character
Gauge
1. A
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. D
6. B
7. C
8. A
9. A
10. D
11. D
12. D
13. A
14. D
15. D
Answer Key
References
Printed Materials:

Ramos, Joh Oliver M. and Talisay, Junie Mart A. (2017). Fundamentals of

Creative Writing. Quezon City, Philippines: Brilliant Creations Publishing, Inc.
Solferino, Ernesto Thaddeus M. et.al. ( 2017 ).Creative Writing .Manila,
Philippines:Fastbook Educational Supply Inc.

Links:

https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/plot-planning/7309/5-
elements-of-plot-and-how-to-use-them-to-build-your-nove
http://www.booksoarus.com/2013/08/24/types-of-conflict-literature-examples/
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-distanceminnesota-
creativewriting/chapter/lesson-3-elements-of-a-fiction/
https://davehood59.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/elements-of-fiction-2/
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/types-of-characters-in-fiction.htmler Types
https://thewritepractice.com/point-of-view-guide/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-theme-in-literature-definition-examples-
quiz.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/journal-writing-topics-prompts-tips.html
https://thewritepractice.com/point-of-view-guide/
https://www.writermag.com/improve-your-writing/fiction/understanding-irony-in-
fiction/

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SDO La Union

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management Section
Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City La Union 2500
Telephone: (072) 607 - 8127
Telefax: (072) 205 - 0046
Email Address:
launion@deped.gov.ph
lrm.launion@deped.gov.ph

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