Setting, Characters, and Plot, Essay Example

In any work of literature, it is important to incorporate elements of setting, characters and plot through careful planning. Setting refers to the time and place of the events or scenarios described in a work of literature. Whenever you think of relevance of a certain theme to people in a certain geographical area during a certain period of time, you are in essence thinking about setting. Characters are the persons who take different roles in ensuring that the story develops naturally and that the intended themes are brought out accurately (Chandler, 2009). Plot refers to the outline of the story, that is, the introduction, development of conflict, climax or turning point, resolution of conflict and conclusion.

Each of these elements is very important in the development of any theme that one chooses to focus on in a story. One has to choose the right setting where the themes will find practical applicability. The setting enables readers relate better with the themes conveyed as well as the creative genius of the writer. Characters are very important in all works of literature that are fictional. In some forms of literature, such as analyses of contemporary issues in society, one can somehow describe themes without having to engage any characters. However, no literary work can express a theme without proper use of plot (Lukeman, 2003). Whether argumentative or fictional, the literary work must have a certain preplanned series of events that makes it possible for themes to be developed in the right way.

Setting makes it possible for people to place events in a certain spatial-temporal dimension, thereby making analysis of themes easier. Without setting, no theme can have social relevance. In most cases, literary writers create characters that we can relate to certain people in real life. This way, the issues they face gain more thematic relevance by virtue of close association with real life, people and circumstances. Different themes are developed at different points in the story. Therefore, the plot determines the sequence of themes and the level of emphasis that each theme is given.

References

Chandler, M. (2009). The Elements of Character. London: BiblioLife.

Lukeman, N. (2003). The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin.