INTRODUCTION

In this master class, Adam Andrews will work through the five elements of fiction (Setting, Character, Conflict, Plot, and Theme) with the goal of demonstrating how each element works together with the others to support an artistic whole and enhance the author’s theme. He will expand on ideas presented in Teaching the Classics and use the Socratic questions found in that seminar to highlight each element using textual examples from works across the tradition. Episodes do not need to be watched in chronological order, and will be released approximately once every two weeks.

Course Outline

• Introduction to Elements of Fiction

• I.1 Setting – Local Setting

• I.2 Setting – Temporal Setting

• I.3 Setting – Historical and Intellectual Setting

• I.4 Setting – Social Setting

• II.1 Plot – Exposition

• II. 2 Plot – Rising Action

• II. 3 Plot – Climax

• II. 4 Plot – Denouement

• II. 5 Plot – Conclusion

• III. 1 Conflict – Man vs. Man

• III.2 Conflict – Man vs. God/Fate

• III.3 Conflict – Man vs. Nature

• III. 4 Conflict Man vs. Society

• III.5 Conflict – Man vs. Himself

• IV.1 Characters – Protagonist

• IV.2 Characters – Antagonist

• IV. 3 Characters – Minor Characters

• IV. 4 Characters – Archetypes and Catalysts

• V. 1 Theme – General Theme

• V.2 Theme – Specific Theme

Introduction

Titles Discussed:
– A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban
– The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle
– The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
– To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Titles Discussed:

– Thundercake by Patricia Polacco
– The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame