The Elements of Prose Fiction

You’ve decided to try your hand at writing some fiction. Awesome! Before diving in, it’s helpful to understand the key elements that make up most prose fiction.

In this article, we’ll break down the main elements of Prose Fiction, such as plot, character, setting, point of view, and more. Understanding these core components will give you a solid framework to start filling in with your own creative ideas. So, get ready to absorb some key concepts that all great storytellers use in their work!

What is Prose Fiction?

Prose fiction is a type of prose written from the author’s imagination. It’s a made-up story with little to no truth or actuality. Furthermore, it is written in the natural flow of everyday speech. So, it’s written in narrative form. Furthermore, it comes in a variety of forms and lengths. So, there are numerous alternatives to prose fiction.

What Are the Elements of Prose Fiction?

As with any work of fiction, prose fiction relies on a few key elements to be effective. When done well, these elements work together to create a compelling story that draws the reader in. Let’s explore the main elements you’ll want to incorporate into your prose fiction.

Plot

The plot refers to the sequence of events that make up a story. It’s what happens and the order in which it happens. The plot includes key elements such as the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Exposition

The exposition introduces the characters, setting, and background to the story. It sets the scene and provides context for the events to come. For example, in Harry Potter, the exposition introduces Harry as an orphaned boy who lives with his abusive aunt and uncle.

Rising Action

The rising action builds up suspense by introducing complications that create conflict for the characters. It leads up to the climax or turning point of the story. In Harry Potter, the rising action shows Harry discovering he is a wizard, learning magic at Hogwarts, and facing challenges like juggling schoolwork or encountering evil characters.

Climax

The climax is the most exciting or important part of the story. It’s the turning point where the protagonist faces a major confrontation or setback. For example, in Harry Potter, the climax occurs when Harry faces Voldemort in a battle between good and evil. The outcome of this battle will determine the resolution of the story.

Falling Action

The falling action refers to events that unfold as a result of the climax. Tensions start to resolve, and loose ends get tied up. In Harry Potter, the falling action shows how the wizarding world starts to recover in the aftermath of Voldemort’s defeat.

Resolution

The resolution, or conclusion, resolves the remaining issues in the story and provides a sense of closure. In Harry Potter, the resolution skips forward 19 years to show Harry, now married with children, seeing his own son off to Hogwarts at King’s Cross Station. This brings the story full circle, with a satisfying conclusion for readers.

The key elements of plot work together to keep readers engaged by building suspense, drama, conflict and mystery. Using a plot structure is essential for crafting a compelling story.

Character and Characterization

Characters are the vehicles that drive the story and plot forward. The characters in a story are essential elements that drive the plot and action forward. Believable and complex characters are essential for connecting readers to your story. Focus on developing multidimensional characters that evoke emotion in the reader. Give the characters interesting backstories, quirks, habits, and dialogues that bring them to life. The protagonist, in particular, should be relatable and likeable, with both strengths and flaws that make them feel real. Characterization refers to the techniques an author uses to develop characters and reveal their personalities.

Direct characterization explicitly describes a character’s traits, qualities, and background. For example, “Mary was a kind-hearted and generous woman who always helped those less fortunate.”

Indirect characterization shows rather than tells readers about a character’s personality and qualities. For example, actions, thoughts, dialogue, and a character’s effect on others can all be used to indirectly characterize them. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout’s dad, Atticus, shows his moral courage, integrity, and empathy through his actions defending Tom Robinson in court and his interactions with his children.

Characterization and character development allow us to connect with relatable and compelling characters, which is why they are fundamental elements of prose fiction.

Setting

Setting refers to the time and place of a story, play, or novel. The setting establishes the context for the story and helps readers visualize the details of where and when the story takes place. The elements of the setting include the time period, location, climate, physical environment, and the era of the story.

The time period refers to the historical era in which the story takes place.

Location refers to the geographical place where the events of the story unfold. It could be a country, state, city, neighborhood, building, or room. The location helps set the overall mood and atmosphere of the story.

Physical environment refers to the natural and manmade spaces where the story takes place. This could include landscapes, weather, infrastructure, and architectural details. All of these help to ground the reader in the story world and advance the plot or character development. The elements of setting work together to immerse the reader in the story. A compelling setting intrigues us and makes us want to keep turning the page.

Style

Style refers to the manner in which an author chooses to write and structure their work. An author’s style includes things like word choice, sentence structure, and paragraph organization. Style is what brings a story to life and gives it a unique flavor.

Some key elements of an author’s style are:

• Diction: An author’s choice of words and language. Is the language formal or informal? Concise or verbose? The diction an author chooses can set the overall tone and voice of the prose.
• Syntax: How an author arranges words and phrases into sentences. Short, choppy sentences convey a different effect than long, flowing ones. Syntax contributes to pacing and rhythm.
• Imagery: Vivid language that evokes senses and visualization. Metaphors, similes, and descriptive words are tools authors employ to create imagery.
• Tone: The overall attitude conveyed in the writing. Tone can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, sentimental, etc. The tone is achieved through a combination of all the stylistic elements.

For example, Ernest Hemingway was known for his very concise style, which included short sentences and little embellishment. In A Farewell to Arms, his syntax and diction create a tone that is bleak yet poignant:

In the late summer of that year we lived in a house in a village that looked across the river and the plain to the mountains. In the bed of the river there were pebbles and boulders, dry and white in the sun, and the water was clear and swiftly moving and blue in the channels. Troops went by the house and down the road and the dust they raised powdered the leaves of the trees. The trunks of the trees too were dusty and the leaves fell early that year and we saw the troops marching along the road and the dust rising and leaves, stirred by the breeze, falling and the soldiers marching and afterward the road bare and white except for the leaves.”

In contrast, Charles Dickens employed a very descriptive style with emotive language, long sentences, and vivid imagery to create a fanciful and dramatic tone, as in A Tale of Two Cities:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

An author’s style is the creative imprint that brings a story to life. Analyzing and understanding different elements of style will help readers develop a deeper appreciation for the craft of writing.

Mood

Mood refers to the overall feeling or atmosphere that a work of fiction evokes in the reader. The mood can be created through word choice, imagery, and the use of figurative language. As you read, pay attention to the emotions and vibes you pick up from the text. The author’s diction and syntax are intentionally crafted to affect your mood as a reader.

For example, words with negative connotations like “gloomy,” “dreary,” and “forlorn” establish a melancholy mood. Bright, cheerful words like “radiant,” “jubilant,” and “euphoric” create an upbeat mood. Sensory imagery involving sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste can also be used to set a mood. The figurative language an author employs, such as similes, metaphors, allusions, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism, helps shape the overall tone and mood of a story.

An author may shift or change the mood within a story to surprise the reader or highlight a turning point. Mood is a crucial element for fiction writers to master because it draws the reader in, stirs their emotions, and brings the story to life. Analyzing how your favorite authors establish mood can help strengthen your own writing.

Conflict

Any good story needs conflict; without it, the tale would simply be a series of uneventful happenings with no drama or suspense. Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces, whether internal or external, that creates tension and moves the story forward.

Internal conflict

This refers to a struggle within a character’s own mind. For example, a character may grapple with a moral dilemma or wrestle with conflicting desires or emotions. In George Orwell’s 1984, Winston Smith struggles with his forbidden love for Julia versus his duty to the Party. His internal conflict makes us deeply invested in his journey.

External conflict

This refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force. The most common types are:

• Character vs. character: A struggle between two characters, like a protagonist and an antagonist. For example, Harry Potter vs. Voldemort.
• Character vs. society: A struggle between a character and the rules, cultural norms, or belief systems of a group. For example, Offred vs. the dystopian society of Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale.
• Character vs. nature: A struggle between a character and the natural world. For example, the struggles for survival faced by characters in Hatchet or The Road.
• Character vs. technology: A struggle between human characters and advanced technology that has gone awry. For example, the humans vs. the machines in The Terminator.

Whatever type of conflict you choose, make sure the odds seem stacked against your protagonist to build suspense. The conflict should be compelling enough to make the reader worry and wonder if the character will overcome their struggles. Using vivid language and specific details, show how your character deals with obstacles and grapples with difficult choices. Ultimately, the conflict should transform your character in a meaningful way.

Point of View

The point of view refers to who is telling the story. There are three main types of point of view:

First-person point of view means the story is told by a character using “I” or “we”. The reader experiences the story through the eyes of the narrator. For example, “I woke up late and rushed to get ready for school.” The advantage is that it allows the reader to get inside a character’s head, but the disadvantage is that it limits the reader to only knowing what that character knows.

The second-person point of view addresses the reader directly using “you”. For example, “You rush out the door and hurry to catch your bus.” This POV is not very common but can make the reader feel like they are part of the action. The downside is that it can seem like the writer is telling the reader what they are doing or thinking.

The third-person point of view uses pronouns like “he/she” and “they” to tell the story. This is the most common POV. There are two types:

• Limited third-person: Limited third-person follows one character and only shares their thoughts, feelings and experiences. For example, “Veronica raced to finish her homework before the bell rang. She couldn’t be late again.” This allows the reader to connect with one character but limits perspective.
• Omniscient third-person: Omniscient third-person moves between multiple characters and even provides the author’s insights. For example, “Tope raced to finish her homework. The teacher sighed, hoping his star student wouldn’t be late again. If only Tope knew how much potential she had.” This provides the most breadth but can be less intimate.

In the end, the point of view chosen depends on the story the author wants to tell and the experience they want to create for the reader. Whichever one is selected, consistency throughout the narrative is key to an engaging tale. Changing the POV abruptly can confuse the reader and undermine the flow and coherence of the story.

Theme

A theme is the central message or insight into human nature that the story conveys. Themes often explore timeless and universal ideas and are usually implied rather than stated explicitly.

As an example, a common theme in literature is the classic struggle between good and evil. In The Lord of the Rings, the theme of good vs. evil is conveyed through Frodo’s struggle to destroy the evil ring of power. The story suggests that good ultimately triumphs over evil. Similarly, the theme of love as redemptive is explored in Beauty and the Beast. Despite the Beast’s hideous appearance, Belle is able to see his inner goodness and beauty. Their love transforms the Beast back into a handsome prince.

Another theme frequently found in stories is the loss of innocence. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the main characters Jem and Scout lose their innocence as they encounter hatred and injustice in their Southern town. Similarly, in Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield grapples with losing innocence as he navigates the complexities of the adult world.

Themes often reflect the human experience and allow us to explore deep and meaningful ideas. They usually contain a universal truth or provide insight into human nature. Themes are a pivotal part of storytelling as they give purpose and meaning to the story. They make the story impactful and memorable.

Themes can be identified by looking at:

• The story’s central conflict or struggle: good vs. evil, individual vs. society, faith vs. doubt.
• Repeated symbols and motifs: Light vs. dark, youth vs. age, nature vs. technology.
• The protagonist’s journey or transformation.
• The story’s resolution or conclusion. What message does it leave with you?

So, in summary, themes are the central messages conveyed throughout the story. They provide depth and meaning, exploring ideas that resonate with the human experience. Themes are usually implied and can be identified by analyzing the story’s details, symbols, character arcs, and ultimate message.

Vocabulary

A story’s vocabulary refers to the specific words and phrases the author chooses to convey meaning. An author’s vocabulary has a huge impact on the reader’s experience and comprehension. Carefully selected words can paint vivid scenes, evoke emotion, and bring clarity to complex ideas.

Think about the words that stand out to you when you read a story. An author may use poetic language and rich sensory details to describe a beautiful sunset, harsh and jagged words to portray a violent character, or concise and clinical terms in a science fiction story. The vocabulary shapes the overall tone and style.

For example, compare these two sentences:

“The old warehouse looked spooky at night.”

“The decrepit warehouse was suffused with a sinister miasma of gloom at nightfall.”

The second sentence uses a more advanced vocabulary (decrepit, suffused, miasma, gloom, nightfall) to create a darker, more foreboding tone. The specific word choices intensify the reader’s experience.

Vocabulary also provides clues to a story’s themes. For instance, a story discussing a character overcoming adversity may use words like perseverance, resilience, and fortitude. A coming-of-age story may use language related to growth, maturity, and life lessons learned. Repeated use of the same words or sets of synonyms ties everything together.

An author’s vocabulary range speaks to their skill and creativity. One who can move seamlessly from colloquial to poetic to technical language has a mastery over the written word. Think of your favorite authors. Chances are that their clever and captivating use of language is part of what makes their stories so compelling. In the end, an author’s vocabulary is their tool for crafting an engaging tale and giving it a unique voice.

Tone

The tone of a story refers to the overall feeling or attitude conveyed by the writing. It’s created by the author’s choice of words and details. The tone can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, objective, etc.

For example, a story with a solemn tone might use words like poignant, melancholy or wistful. A lighthearted or cheerful story would use words such as lively, vibrant or whimsical. The tone is set from the very first lines through the author’s word choice and descriptions.

In “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe, the tone is ominous and creepy. Poe chooses words that create a sense of impending evil:

“TRUE! –nervous –very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am, but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses –not destroyed –not dulled them.

The overall tone of a story has a significant impact on how the reader interprets and experiences the story. Carefully crafting the tone through word choice, syntax, and imagery is one of the hallmarks of skilful writing.

Symbols

In prose fiction, symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. As a reader, being able to recognize and understand symbols will give you a deeper appreciation of the story.

For example, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock in The Great Gatsby is a central symbol. For Gatsby, the green light represents his hopes and dreams of rekindling his relationship with Daisy.

Colors are commonly used as symbols. In The Scarlet Letter, red symbolizes passion, sin, and guilt. The letter ‘A’ Pearl wears, also red, represents her mother Hester’s adultery. In contrast, black and grey are used to symbolize Puritanism and restraint.

Sometimes, a character can serve as a symbol. In The Old Man and the Sea, the old man Santiago symbolizes perseverance in the face of adversity. Although he struggles against the giant marlin and sharks, he never gives up. The boy Manolin, who looks up to Santiago, represents hope and the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next.

Pay attention to objects, colors or characters that seem to have significance beyond their literal meanings. Ask yourself what ideas or themes they could represent. How do they add layers of meaning to the overall story? Recognizing symbols takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if you struggle at first. With time and experience, identifying symbols and understanding their deeper meanings can become second nature.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere refers to the overall mood or emotional tone of a story. It evokes feelings and expectations in the reader about the story. The atmosphere is conveyed through descriptive language and details that help the reader visualize the setting.

For example, a story with a creepy atmosphere may describe shadows, strange noises, and feelings of unease. A lighthearted atmosphere may describe cheerful characters, bright colors, and humorous situations. Descriptive words like “gloomy,” “joyful,” or “mysterious” can indicate the atmosphere.

Details about the setting, time period, and environment also help establish the atmosphere. For instance, a story set in a run-down, abandoned building would likely have a spooky atmosphere, while a story set on a sunny beach would have a more relaxed atmosphere. References to the time of day or year also shape the atmosphere, like a story set on a dark, stormy night versus a bright summer morning.

Another way to create atmosphere is through the characters’ moods and emotions. Their actions, thoughts, and dialogue help set the tone for the overall story. For example, in a suspenseful story, characters may feel fearful or paranoid. In a comedy, characters are usually lighthearted and prone to amusing dialogue or hijinks.

The atmosphere emerges from all the elements of the story, including descriptive language, setting details, characterizations, and more. For the reader, recognizing the atmosphere helps to set expectations about the story’s tone and genre so you can better understand the characters and events. The atmosphere pulls the reader into the fictional world of the story for an engaging experience.

In summary, the atmosphere refers to the overall mood and tone of a story. It is conveyed through descriptive language, details about the setting and environment, character emotions, and more. The atmosphere shapes the reader’s experience and expectations about a story.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prose Fiction

Prose fiction encompasses a wide range of genres, from literary fiction to mysteries to sci-fi. If you’re just getting started as a reader or writer of prose, you likely have some questions. Here are a few of the most common FAQs and their answers:

What are the different genres of prose fiction?

The major genres include:

• Literary fiction: Focuses on style, character, and insight.
• Commercial fiction: Fast-paced, highly plot-driven genres like romance or thrillers.
• Mystery/crime: Centered around solving a crime, murder or other illegal acts.
• Science fiction: Speculative stories involving future science and technology.
• Fantasy: Stories involving magic, mythological creatures and imaginary worlds.

How do I improve my prose writing skills?

The best way to strengthen your prose writing is through practice. Some tips:

• Read extensively in the genre you want to write in. Analyze what you like about the prose and structure.
• Focus on showing rather than telling. Use vivid language and specific details to help the reader experience the story.
• Develop complex, relatable characters. Give the characters authentic backstories, motivations, strengths and flaws.
• Pay attention to style. Use a variety of sentence structures and lengths. Read your work aloud to ensure it flows well.

What are some common mistakes in prose?

Some frequent issues include:

• Purple prose: Using too many unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. Keep your prose concise and impactful.
• Infodumping: Dumping a large amount of background information or worldbuilding details all at once. Spread out important details gradually.
• Telling, not showing: Summarizing events rather than using vivid descriptions to show what’s happening. Put the reader in the scene with descriptive words.
• Unnatural dialogue: Having characters speak in a stiff, unconvincing way. Read dialogue aloud to ensure it sounds natural.
• Inconsistent plot or pacing: Having events happen at random or drag on without purpose. Ensure your plot is cohesive and moves at an engaging pace.

With regular practice, feedback, and studying the work of skilled prose writers, you can strengthen your prose, develop your craft, and become a better storyteller.

Conclusion

These are the key elements that make up most works of prose fiction. Plot, character, setting, theme, and style all work together in creative ways to transport readers into an author’s imagined world. Whether you prefer mysteries, romances, sci-fi, or literary fiction, understanding how writers use these basic building blocks can help you better appreciate the craft behind your favorite stories. The next time you open a book, keep an eye out for how the author incorporates the plot, characters, setting, themes, and prose style to shape their narrative. Paying attention to the fundamentals will make you a more thoughtful reader and maybe even inspire you to start crafting your own fiction someday.