Writing: Plot and Setting

Theme is what the story is about - what the author is trying to say with the story. It's not the same as plot, but rather what the plot can tell you. For example, "revenge never works out" or "love conquers all" might be story themes.

Brigid is a short story by Mary Lavin set in Ireland. It is about a woman (you never learn her name) who has a husband named Owen. She is extremely concerned about her husband's sister, Brigid, messing up her two daughters' chances of marrying. Her sister Brigid is mentally challenged and, in Ireland (at the time this book was written), many people looked down upon the disabled. Owen is angry that the woman keeps bringing up the topic of his sister, and leaves the house to visit Brigid. Many hours pass and Owen still doesn't come home so the woman is worried and sets off to Brigid's house. Once she is there she discovers that her husband had a stroke and fell into the fireplace (while the fire was burning) and died. Brigid didn't do anything to help him because she didn't know how to help him. In the end, the woman ends up bringing Brigid home to take care of her since that's what her husband would have wanted.

The turning point is when the character faces a critical decision or event that significantly impacts the direction of the story. It propels the plot towards its resolution by pushing the character into a new trajectory or situation that drives the narrative towards its conclusion.

During an exchange of viewpoints, it's important to express openness, respect, and a willingness to listen. By demonstrating genuine interest in the other person's perspective, acknowledging their viewpoint, and engaging in constructive dialogue, you can build trust with readers and create a sense of understanding and connection.

It sounds like you are describing a short story. Short stories typically contain all these elements and are designed to be read in one sitting, providing a complete narrative experience within a short time frame.

When a mysterious package arrives on Jane's doorstep, she is plunged into a world of danger and intrigue as she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to shake the very foundations of society.

It would be a topic because a theme is usually a complete thought like "crime doesn't pay" or "knowledge is power."

The problem is the central conflict or challenge that drives the story, while the plot refers to the sequence of events that make up the story. The problem is what the characters must overcome, while the plot is how they go about resolving it.

The setting serves to develop the theme of isolation and alienation among the characters. It highlights their sense of loneliness and detachment from society, emphasizing the challenges they face in connecting with others and finding a sense of belonging.

Write about whatever interests you. You're not going to be able to write a good story or essay if someone gives you a topic, because you'll be bored and not finish it. If you write about something you're curious about, or something you like, you'll be more likely to keep going and finish it.

To determine if a theme is present in a story, look for recurring motifs, symbols, or patterns that convey a deeper message or lesson. Consider the characters' actions, the plot events, and the author's use of language or imagery to explore underlying ideas or concepts. Themes are often universal and can evoke emotional responses or provoke contemplation about the human experience.

exposition, rising action, turning point/ climax, falling action, and resolution/conclusion

Plot helps us understand characters by showing their actions, decisions, and motivations in context. Through the events that unfold in the story, we can see how characters respond to challenges, overcome obstacles, and evolve over time. The plot provides a framework for revealing the depth and complexity of the characters' personalities, allowing readers to connect with and empathize with them on a deeper level.

Yes, the plot of a story typically revolves around the characters and the problem or conflict they face. The characters' actions and decisions drive the plot forward as they try to resolve the problem, leading to a resolution or climax in the story.

In the excerpt, lines 81 to 84 are important to the plot as they reveal that the character of Justin is starting to question his initial assumptions about Jinsen. This marks a shift in Justin's perspective towards Jinsen and sets the stage for potential character development and changes in their relationship throughout the story.

"Too Soon a Woman" follows a young girl named Sarah who struggles with growing up in the wilderness of Canada while dealing with the loss of her grandmother and additional hardships. The story progresses through Sarah's emotional journey as she copes with her grief and faces the challenges of taking on adult responsibilities. Ultimately, Sarah learns to find strength within herself and accept the changes happening in her life.

Sekhar's curiosity, honesty, and desire for truth drive the story's plot. His determination to uncover the truth about the paper's stolen money and his willingness to confront Nani and Venu with the evidence he discovers propel the narrative forward. Additionally, Sekhar's persistence in seeking justice and his refusal to stay silent about the corruption he uncovers are crucial in shaping the story's trajectory.

The hallway serves as a liminal space, symbolizing transitions and uncertainty in the characters' lives, which supports the theme of change and transformation. Additionally, the confined nature of the hallway creates a sense of claustrophobia, emphasizing the characters' feelings of being trapped or stuck, reinforcing the theme of confinement or limitation.

The correct order of the four parts of a plot in a story are exposition (introduction of characters and setting), rising action (development of the conflict), climax (turning point of the story), and resolution (outcome of the conflict and conclusion).

We cannot read your mind to see what you just read and tell you what character was just introduced.

Quick exchanges between characters can create a sense of urgency and fast-paced dialogue, building suspense by heightening the tension in a scene. The rapid back-and-forth can convey a sense of conflict or escalation, keeping the audience engaged and on edge as they anticipate what will happen next. This technique can also reveal important information or emotions in a dynamic way, adding layers to the story and increasing the stakes for the characters involved.

You need to answer this question because we don't do your homework and it is asking for your opinion and to show your critical thinking skills and how well you understood the the lesson.

In this portion of the story, the author is most likely developing the rising action, where conflicts and complications arise leading to the climax of the story. This is where tension and suspense build as the characters face obstacles and challenges that propel the story forward towards its climax.

Authors can use short, choppy sentences, with strong verbs and minimal description, to create a sense of urgency in a text. This style can make the writing feel fast-paced and intense, driving the reader to act or pay close attention to the situation at hand.

I'm not sure you understand what that term means. "Plot" is just the word that we use to mean "what goes on in the story." If there's no plot, it's not a story. It might be an essay or a report or an article, but it's not a story.