NARRATIVE ELEMENTS

* The main parts , or elements, of a story are the setting (when and where the story takes place), the characters (the people a story is about), and the plot (what happens).

* Readers get to know a story character from what that character says and does.

* A character's words and actions also help readers figure out how the character feels.

Character

What the character says

The hockey game was almost over.  The score was tied:  Mavericks 1, Hawks 1.  Marco was sitting on the bench with some of his teammates.  "Coach, please put me in," said Marco.  "I know I can score a goal!"

What the character does

The coach put Marco in.  With only fifteen seconds left, the puck came to him.  Marco tapped it with his stick.  Then he skated quickly to his right.  He slid past one defender, but another one was in his path.  He made a fast spin and skated to his left.  That move made the defender trip.  Now it was just Marco and the goalie.  Marco stopped the puck, pulled back his stick, and fired a shot.  Goal!