Story elements are the important parts that make up a story. They help readers understand what is happening and why it matters.
Knowing story elements helps you follow along and talk about what you read more clearly.
Characters are the people, animals, or creatures in a story. They can be main characters (the most important ones) or supporting characters.
Ask yourself: Who is the story mostly about? That’s usually the main character.
The setting is where and when the story takes place. It can include the time of day, the season, or even the historical period.
The setting often affects what happens in the story. Think about how the place or time changes the characters’ actions.
The plot is the sequence of events in a story. Most plots include a conflict (a problem) and a resolution (how the problem is solved).
Good readers can retell the plot by explaining what happened first, next, and last.
The theme is the lesson or message the author wants you to learn from the story.
Think about what the characters learned or how they changed. That often points to the theme.