A story has several elements. Knowing about these elements is useful in appreciating stories as well as analyzing and creating them. The following elements are
- Structural elements (acts, scene sequences, scenes, beats)
- Elements of plot (changes in value charge, frameworks, resolution, introduction of the protagonist’s weakness
- Elements of character (backstory, values, actions in the story, relationships)
- Leading question and theme (questions about the nature of the world)
- Symbols
- World-building
To identify these units of a story, one needs practice and a level of competence. A similar process is needed in analyzing theoretical knowledge (Six types of knowledge).
References
Fast, S. (100 C.E., 04:40). The Zettelkasten Method for Fiction II – What You Can Look For. Zettelkasten Method. https://zettelkasten.de/posts/zettelkasten-fiction-writing-part-2-elements-of-story/