Elements

First Person Point of View: The use of "I" in storytelling draws the reader into the narrative, allowing them to experience the events and emotions from the perspective of the main character. It immerses the reader in the character's actions and feelings as the story unfolds.

Example:

Bent over in my closet, I held my breath, afraid to make a sound. Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open, and the sound of approaching footsteps filled the room. Fear gripped my throat, suffocating me. Would I be discovered? Kidnapped? Injured? Killed? A scream bubbled up from deep within me.

When to use first person point of view:

• When presented with a picture stimulus
• When the given lines indicate the character "I"

Second Person Point of View: The use of "You" in storytelling, although less common, creates a unique and engaging experience for the reader. It gives the impression that the reader themselves is the main character, actively involved in the actions described.

Example:

Sitting in the waiting room, you fidget nervously as your senses tingle with anticipation, a strong urge to escape bubbling up inside you. The nurse calls your name, and mechanically, like a robot, you rise from your seat and walk towards the door of the examination room. As you sit in the chair facing the doctor, you search his face desperately, hoping to find a clue. He glances up from the file with a grim expression, and a sinking feeling overwhelms your mind.

When to use second person point of view:

• When presented with a picture stimulus
• When the given lines indicate the character "you"

Third Person Point of View: This style of writing, using "he/she/it," provides a broader perspective to the reader, offering a comprehensive view of the characters and the unfolding sequence of events.

Example:

Buddy leaped up from his spot in the corner as the door swung open. She entered, and his heart melted like butter. Despite her small stature, her stride exuded confidence. Their eyes met, instantly establishing an electric connection. She giggled and took a step forward. In response, Buddy jumped up, placing his front paws against the cage, eagerly attempting to greet her with a lick through the wire.

When to use third person point of view:

• When presented with a picture stimulus
• When the given lines indicate the character/s "he/she/it"

Creating an Image through Language:

Language can create vivid images by strategically using words that evoke the senses: taste (gustatory), smell (olfactory), touch (tactile), sight (visual), and hearing (aural).

Identifying the senses evoked in the following examples:

• My stomach growled like a hungry tigress. (gustatory)
• The wind caressed the trees, causing them to shiver with delight. (tactile)
• Sweet fragrances overwhelmed my senses as I entered the perfume shop. (olfactory)
• The skyscraper soared upward, resembling a colossal mountain. (visual)
• Ma Lambert's delicious stew chicken and melt-in-your-mouth mashed yam created a lasting memory of flavor in the small village. (gustatory)

Setting & Atmosphere:

The setting of a story establishes the time, place, weather, and overall atmosphere. It captivates the reader's interest and prepares them for what is to come. Descriptions should engage all the senses, not just visual details, to create a suitable atmosphere for the story.

Characterization:

Characters are the individuals who drive the events in a story. They should be functional, suitable for the story's structure, and believable to the reader. Description of a character's appearance, attitudes, and personality should be provided only

if necessary, bringing them to life through vivid portrayal. Mannerisms and actions can also provide insight into a character's internal world. It is important to avoid excessive cluttering of the story with too many characters.

Theme:

The theme of a story encompasses the main ideas and messages conveyed through the events and behaviors of the characters. It reflects what the writer wants the reader to contemplate while reading. Themes can vary widely, from exploring the reasons behind war to unraveling the complexities of relationships. Understanding the theme requires analyzing the characters and their reactions to different situations, which reveals the writer's intended perspective on the topic.

Plot:

The plot refers to the sequence of events in a story. It encompasses various stages, including exposition (introducing characters and setting), conflict (struggle between opposing forces), rising action (development of conflict), climax (high point of tension), falling action (events following the climax), and resolution (final outcomes in the story).

Josiah Renne "PC"

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