Fiction

Fiction writers tell stories using four basic elements. The basic story elements are setting, characters, problem, and solution. To comprehend the author's purpose, the reader constructs meaning by understanding and connecting these elements. Read the following tips to help you improve your reading comprehension.

Setting

Tip #1: Determine a feeling or emotion. Example: If the setting suggests fear, the reader should watch for danger or a challenge.

Tip #2: Consider background information.

Characters

Tip #1: Watch actions, dialogue, and thoughts. Example: A boy may think he is honest, but when he lies to his mother, the reader knows the boy has a problem.                                                                              Tip #2: Watch for interaction between characters. Example: A man may treat a stranger at the bus stop kindly, but yell furiously at his own child. Notice these differences.

Tip #3: Determine the motivation of the main character. Example: A woman may bring her boss chocolate chip cookies because she genuinely likes her boss or maybe she wants a raise. The details will tell the character's motivation.

Problem

Tip #1: Determine the problem. Example: A man loves his dog, but the dog bit a neighbor. What will he do?                                                                                                                                                                Tip #2: Determine what causes the problem. Example: A man doesn't have enough money to pay his bills. He blames his low-paying job, but he makes a good salary. The details show that he spends all his money on his new car.

Solution

Tip #1: Determine how the problem is solved, when it is solved, and who solves it. Example: A girl is babysitting late at night. She is frightened by scratching on the window. The problem is solved when she calls her father, and he investigates. It is a tree rubbing against the window.           Tip #2: Determine the effect of the solution on the characters. Example: A teen stops watching television and improves her grades. The effect is an obvious one. Her parents give her more freedom, and she feels proud of her accomplishments.