Creative Nonfiction - SHS

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Module 004 Principles, Elements, Techniques,

and Devices: PLOT

For the past four weeks, we had looked at literature in general. We

rediscovered fiction, poetry, and drama, and the elements that they bring to
the table. This week, however, we will focus on Creative Nonfiction itself.
While the next few weeks will be full of examples, activities, and assignments,
this week will be used to introduce the most intricate among the elements –
PLOT.
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
1. Do a close reading of creative nonfictional texts
2. Identify the fictional elements in the texts
3. Distinguish among different types of plots
4. Recognize plot points or parts of a plot

Elements of Creative Nonfiction

Before we investigate what plot is all about, let us take a look at the different elements of
creative nonfiction.

a. Plot
- Provides the outline of the story. It is the backbone of a narrative and the most
valuable aid to the writer.
b. Characters
- These are the heroes, villains, pawns, and even the most inscrutable people in the
story. They do not have to be people. They could be animals, as in fables, or
monsters and other fantastical creatures.
c. Characterization
- To make a character interesting, he/she/it must go through characterization. It is
the process of revealing who these characters are. This can be done through
direct characterization, wherein the writer blatantly describes the character’s
virtues or faults. On the other hand, the writer can show those virtues or faults
through the actions of the character, through indirect characterization.
d. Point of View (POV)
- This is basically the eyes through which the reader sees the story. The story is not
necessarily written in the first person (using I, we, etc.), but it conveys the
opinions and way of thinking of the POV person.
e. Angle

Course Module
 - There are several angles in which one can view a story. You have to select an
angle to create a focus. For example, World War II has spawned so many films,
books, and other works because there are angles to choose from: the Holocaust in
the POV of the Jews, the training of Nazi soldiers, and the mindset of rescue
operators.
f. Setting and Atmosphere
- The setting breeds the atmosphere. It includes not only the “where”, but also the
“when”. The apt combination of these two will provide the readers with an
interesting setup. If the setting is properly described, an atmosphere can be
clearly felt.
g. Symbols and Symbolism
- Some stories, in their attempt to convey something deeper, make use of symbols.
For example, the raven in Edgar Allan Poe’s popular poem symbolizes death
and/or loss. This is a very common theme in Poe’s stories and poems. You could
say that repetitive themes can also reveal so much about the writers.
h. Irony
- It can get boring if everything that is said means exactly as is. Therefore, a hint of
irony here and there simply helps a narrative. Irony is used when what is said or
what appears to be happening is not exactly what it appears to be.
i. Figures of Speech
- There are different kinds of figures of speech that make narratives extra
interesting. Irony is just one example of a figure of speech.
j. Dialogue
- People interact in different ways: through actions and words, and sometimes
even in indirect means. Dialogue is in the form of words. It does not necessarily
reflect the truth, but it does help characterize. It can show the relationship
between characters.
k. Scene
- A scene takes place in a particular setting, wherein a certain event may happen. It
could be simple dialogue or even a monologue. A scene will close and make way
for another scene when there is a change in setting.
l. Other Elements and Devices
- Writing fiction, drama, creative nonfiction, and poetry is a creative feat. Of course,
there will be devices that may have not been introduced blatantly. There may be
techniques that combine two or more devices, for example. A scene can contain
dialogue with irony. It happens in a particular setting, producing a particular
atmosphere. Others scenes may produce a monologue alone.

Focus on Plot
Some of you may wonder: “This is creative nonfiction. Why should there be a plot?”
Perhaps, we could focus first on the word “creative.” Creative nonfiction is grounded in
stories. It is not just a reference wherein information is dissected into paragraphs, working
as its subsections. Writers even try to make references or textbooks more reader-friendly
by making use of the second person (you/your), as if they are talking to the readers
directly. With creative nonfiction, however, everything becomes more intense in the sense
that it basically follows the rule of fiction with one distinguishing factor – nonfiction is
based on facts.
 Creative Nonfiction - SHS
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As you can see above, creative nonfiction follows the path that fiction takes.
Exposition – is the part of a plot wherein everything is introduced: the characters,
premise, and setting. We get to know the characters before something significant
happens. However, some modern writers try to inject action from the very beginning, as
the plot reveals the characters, setting, and premise.
Rising Action – is the trigger that will keep us captivated. It is a catalyst that will start off
a sequence of events.
Climax – is the point of greatest interest, action, or upheaval in a story. In action stories, it
is usually here that the hero meets the villain and has a face off.
Falling Action – is the part where the pieces are coming together or the problems are
slowly being resolved.
Denouement – is the resolution of the whole conflict or at least the recognition that the
conflict will never be resolved. The action returns to exposition level.

Reading Activity
Find the five plot points in the story, “Three Years” by Katya Aaltotanssija , which can be
read through this link,
http://www.backhandstories.com/non-fiction/three-years-by- katya-aaltotanssija/

Glossary
Atmosphere: the permeating mood or feeling evoked by a particular setting/setup,
created by a particular set of descriptions
Catalyst: creates a major change without being affected in itself
Direct characterization: Describing what kind of person a character is by saying so or
using the telling strategy. E.g. “Ben is a kind boy.”
Course Module
 Figure of Speech: a word or phrase used in literary works to provide a non-literal,
creatively vibrant effect
Indirect characterization: Using actions and words to convey just what kind of person a
character is.”
Monologue: a speech done by a character when he/she is on his/her own.

References and Supplementary Materials

Books and Journals
Lopate, P. (2013). To Show and to Tell: The Craft of Literary Nonfiction. Wilmington:
University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

Plot (narratives); https://www.thoughtco.com/plot-narratives-1691635; 10th August
2017
Picturing the Personal Essay: A Visual Guide;
https://www.creativenonfiction.org/online-reading/picturing-personal-essay-visual-
guide; 10th August 2017
Creative Nonfiction: An Overview;
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/1007/01/; 10th August 2017

Online Instructional Videos

Elements of Creative Nonfiction; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlguuzwdq_Y; 10th
August 2017
Elements of Nonfiction: Theme; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toMUPEIJ2Mw; 10th
August 2017
Plot & Theme in Creative Nonfiction; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfmRuSC_6Ms;
10th August 2017