Creative Nonfiction – Grade 12 Lesson 2: Basic Facts About Fiction

Quarter 1 – Week 2

NAME: _______________________________________________ YR & SEC.:___________________

Competency:

The learner should be able to analyze the theme and techniques used in a particular
text (HUMSS_CNF11/12-Ia-3) and create samples of the different literary elements based on
one’s experience (e.g. metaphor to describe an emotion) (HUMSS_CNF11/12-Ib-d-4) after
finishing this module.

To the Learners:

Before starting on the lesson and exercises in the module, leave behind other tasks
that will distract you while enjoying the topic. Read the instructions below to effectively guide
you about the module. Have fun!
1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of this
module.
2. Writing enhances learning. Keep this in mind and take note of the important concepts
in your notebook.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Analyze the post-test and apply what you have learned.
5. Enjoy studying!

Expectations:

This module was designed to help you understands the literary conventions that
govern the different genres. (e.g., narrative convention of fiction. After going through this
module, you are expected to:
1. understand the conventions of traditional genres;
2. identifying elements of the different genres; and
3. clearly and coherently uses a chosen element conventionally identified with a genre
for a written output.

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Pre-test

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following element of fiction that provides the story a sense of continuity, speed
or pace and thematic focus
A. character C. plot
B. characterization D. theme

2. It is a technique of presenting and revealing the character.

A. character C. plot
B. characterization D. theme

3. Which of the following can show, tell, and assume the setting of the story?
A. clothing and object C. beauty and madness
B. peace and love D. all of the above

4. How does the theme helps the readers to understand life and human condition in
the story?
A. circumstances encountered C. thoughts and behavior
B. character’s experiences D. all of the above

5. Which of the following element of fiction that the narrator of the story expresses the
position from which the story reveals.
A. Character C. Points of view
B. Plot D. Theme

6. The position of the narrator in relationship to the plot of a piece of literature

A. Character C. Points of view
B. Plot D. Theme

7. In writing fiction, what clarifies the focal point of the writer’s story idea?
A. intention C. mood
B. purpose D. tone

8. The manner which the writer uses words in characterizing a person or describing an
event in the story.
A. Plot C. Setting
B. Style D. Theme

9. Where the tensions fall as the complications are straightened out and conflict is
finally resolved?
A. Climax C. Rising Action
B. Falling Action D. All of the above

10. In drama, it is an action-driven and goal oriented as shaped by conflict or problem.

A. character C. dialogue
B. characterization D. emotion

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Looking Back at your Lesson

As a review of the concepts you have learned from your previous lessons on. Tell something
about the following elements that makes up Fiction:

Character

Characteri
Theme
zation

Elements

Point of
Plot
View

Setting

Lesson 2: Basic Facts About Fiction

Fiction and Literary Elements

On our previous module, we briefly discussed some starting points for writing fiction
and elements that makes up of it.
In most instances, the real world provides the words that constitute fiction. French author
Victor Hugo noticed the Greek word for “fate” carved on a little nook of the Notre Dame
Cathedral. A tormented soul must have engraved this word, according to his imagination.
That one word found led Hugo to write the Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1831.
Intentions clarifies the focal point of the writer’s story idea while purpose clarifies the
reasons behind the writer’s intension. Your stated intention and purpose serve as the
compass, in your internal and mental guide in writing. Next, let us analyze some elements of
fiction.
The character and characterization, the people in fiction.
Character is an imaginary person
Characterization is the technique of presenting and revealing the character.
The short story requires focusing on a single quality of the character. In a novel, many facets
of the character may be explored. A fictional character must feel authentic and credible.
Fictionist commonly use the following types of character:

Dynamic Character Flat Character

Changes during the course of the story. Has only one or two traits

Round Character Static Character

Well-developed and can show a variety Consistently the same throughout the
and even contradictory. story

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Character can be sketch by profiling, by knowing character’s form, social background,

physical appearance, emotional traits, likes, dislikes, interest in life, or problem. As in real
life, fictional characters are known by what the person says, what the person does and what
others are saying about that person.
Plot, the arrangement of events in a story and known as the storyline. It provides the story a
sense of continuity, speed or pace and thematic focus.
Climax
It usually begins with exposition
The conflict intensifies as the character
attempts to deal with complications
Reaches a climax or a turning point where Call to
the resolution of the conflict is located Intro Action
Tensions falls as the complications are
straightened out and conflict is finally resolved. Initializing
The ending of the story reveals the outcome incident Resolution
of the action on the character
Setting can be explicit or implicit. You can show or you can tell. Clothes can set up the setting.
If a character wears shorts and a sleeveless shirt, readers can infer that one is in a warm
place. Object too, if a character makes a call on the telephone with a long curly cord and a
rotary dial, readers can suppose that a story is set in the past.
In Point of view, the narrator of the story defines the angle from which the story unfolds. It
direct or sways the reader’s understanding of the story.
Theme, every story strived to entertain the readers. It helps the readers understand life and
human condition in the story. It usually implied or unstated. In a story the character who
undergo some experiences. These experiences affect the thoughts and behaviors of the
characters, that will instigate the readers to conclude something about life or people. The
theme varies as readers interpret its meaning differently.
Describing or picturing using words. Feed the five senses of your readers with concrete and
specific detail.
Tone, mood and style, used interchangeably but create different effects in the story.
Tone refers to the attitude of the narrator toward the characters and reaches the
reader’s connection with the characters and events in the story.
Mood makes the reader feel something while reading the story. (exciting, sad, comical,
spooky, or gloomy)
Style refers to the manner which the writer uses words in characterizing a person or
describing an event in the story. Personal signature, write elegantly, relaxed style,
humorously or scholarly writing.

Drama: Words in Action

When we say, “it’s is dull and boring,” we are looking for something that has vim and
vigor, excitement and energy, passion, and pleasure. In other words, we want some action.
Action is a drama. It is primarily written for acting.
Speech as actions:

Locutionary – the act of saying something

Illocutionary – what one does in saying it
Periocutionary – what one does by saying it

The playwright draws on plot, character, setting and dialogue to stage a performance that
deals with particular issues or to illuminate an idea. An idea is a product of the mind, an
abstract or intangible and subject to differing interpretations or misinterpretations. Good or
evil, freedom or oppression are examples of ideas often explored in a drama. Plot, character,
setting and dialogue and theme are the formal element of drama, all of these are become
unified when the drama is finally performed.

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The structural elements of the dramatic plot

Leading Character Inciting Incident Objective

The event that destabilizes the The leading character’s reason
The primary person in the plot leading character to restore stability

Obstacle Crisis Climax

Some forces that hinder the Leading character decides to Leading character confronts
leading character’s goal rise above obstacle obstacles (succeeds or fails)

Resolution
Creation of new stable situation
as caused by the climax
Adapted from Letwin, et. Al. The Architecture of Drama (2008)

Character:
In drama, characters are the fictional people who is in actions in pursuit of
objectives show their essence or nature. Through the character’s action we can judge if they
are greedy or generous, aware, or oblivious, courage or cowardly, devious, or honest, bold,
or faint-hearted, firm, or indecisive. These are examples of descriptive terms that define the
essence or nature of a character.
As leading character, the protagonist must satisfy the following criteria:
Able to make decisions and act upon them
Endowed with options, physical or mental strength
Able to deal with the inciting incident
Serves to demonstrate the writer’s point of view

The inciting incident:

Defines the leading character’s objective or goal that will restore stability of life
Reveal some background information and characterization
Defines the beginning, middle and the end of the story
Objectives in drama must:
Concrete, specific and tangible for the audience’s comprehension and the actor’s
competent performance
Convey a sense of urgency, which means the character must act now without delay
Constructed in a way that allows the leading characters to experience obstacles
Two kinds of obstacle in drama:
a. the internal obstacle – arises from the character’s heart, mind, or body
b. the external obstacle – arises from forces outside or beyond leading character’s
control
The crisis decisions:
Are immediately acted upon by the leading character
Lead to climatic confrontation with the other obstacle
Are conveyed through the combined use of mental and physical action
The climax
Only needs brief description and minimal explanation
The story’s grand finale and ultimately depends on strength of the characterization,
clarity of the inciting incident, obstacle, and crisis
Conveys the idea of reversal of fortune on the part of the protagonist
The resolution
Provides a decisive conclusion on the conflict or crisis not generally seen in real life

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Gives the audience an idea of the positive or negative impact of the climax on the
characters
Provides the audience to compose their thoughts and feelings after witnessing an
intense fight or struggle during the climax and sense of closure or completion
Fleshing out your Plot
Character is not characterization. Let us follow this process in developing your dramatic
character.

Character Building: Basic Guide

Adapted from Dunne, The Dramatic Writer’s Companion (2009)

Physical life of the character

Emotional life of the character Internal life of the character

Beliefs and conviction of the character Home and work-life of the character

The character’s life with others

A dramatic story is told entirely in dialogue; the characters speaking to each other, to
themselves, or to the audience. It is an action-driven and goal oriented as shaped by
conflict or problem. Use dialogue to strengthen the persona of the characters and to
broaden audience’s understanding of their desires, problems, and the obstacles they
encounter. Let the dialogue flow freely and spontaneously from the characters themselves.
Review and evaluate them according to the following properties:
Character distinctive voice – the characters are defined by their speech (educated
person speak differently from a street smart one; a foreigner from the locals; boy
from a girl)
Active and engaging dialogue – characters speak to each other to convince,
persuade, and influence one another.
Clarity of meaning – convey clearness of on they want to say. The audience should
be able to figure out what is going on from what the characters says.
Telling more and less – what the audience can figure out for themselves will engage
their attention. The more character talk, the less interest for them to listen.
Telling and reacting – what the character says should make the other character react
accordingly. One word can speak a thousand different reactions based on the
listener’s emotion.
Saying the obvious – narrating an event that the characters both remember or giving
information that should already be obvious to them.
Only the necessary information – focus the dialogue only to those that are relevant to
the characters and their action.

Activities

Activity 1.1 Writing is an exercise

Let us get started with a writing exercise that will make you experience turning fact into
fiction.
A. Recall what has happened to you in the past week. This may include emotions, some
passing thoughts, situation, or people.

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B. List five ways how these things can be developed into a fictional story.
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Activity 1.2 Plot your own storyline

A. Write a 300-word story/narrative in the typical boy meets girl.

Beginning: The Boy meets the girl. He falls terribly in love with her. He is determined to make
her fall in love with him. Whatever it takes.
Middle: Girl fall in love with the Boy. Girl’s parents, however, do not like the Boy. Still, Girl
chooses to see Boy secretly. Parents discover their secret meeting and decide to send the Girl
abroad.
Ending: Boy follows Girl abroad. Together, they decide to return home to convince parents of
their relationship.

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Remember
A fictional character distinguished in four types, dynamic, round, static
and flat character.
In developing your dramatic character, you should evaluate the physical, internal,
emotional, belief and conviction, home and work-life, and the character’s life with
other.

Check your Understanding

Based on Activity 1.2 Plot Your own Storyline, evaluate your narrative using the structural
elements of the dramatic plot.
Leading Character Inciting Incident Objective

Obstacle Crisis Climax

Resolution

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Post-test

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Where the tensions fall as the complications are straightened out and conflict is
finally resolved?
A. Climax C. Rising Action
B. Falling Action D. All of the above
2. Which of the following element of fiction that provides the story a sense of continuity,
speed or pace and thematic focus?

A. character C. plot
B. characterization D. theme
3. In drama, it is an action-driven and goal oriented as shaped by conflict or problem.
A. character C. dialogue
B. characterization D. emotion
4. It is a technique of presenting and revealing the character.
A. character C. plot
B. characterization D. theme
5. The manner which the writer uses words in characterizing a person or describing an
event in the story.
A. Plot C. Setting
B. Style D. Theme
6. Which of the following can show, tell, and assume the setting of the story?
A. clothing and object C. beauty and madness
B. peace and love D. all of the above

7. How does the theme helps the readers to understand life and human condition in
the story?
A. circumstances encountered C. thoughts and behavior
B. character’s experiences D. all of the above

8. Which of the following element of fiction that the narrator of the story expresses the
position from which the story reveals.
A. Character C. Points of view
B. Plot D. Theme

9. The position of the narrator in relationship to the plot of a piece of literature

A. Character C. Points of view
B. Plot D. Theme

10. In writing fiction, what clarifies the focal point of the writer’s story idea?
A. intention C. mood
B. purpose D. tone

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GRADE 12 CREATIVE NONFICTION_QUARTER 1_WEEK 2

Reflective Learning Sheet No.2

Directions: Write a reflective learning about Literary Genre and Basic Facts About
Fiction by answering questions inside the box. You may express your answers in a
more creative presentation of your great learning. Have fun and enjoy!

Guide me to ponder What learnings I have What examples can I

on… found from this contribute to explore
lesson? more?

What learning can I What skills I have What is my

share with my family developed from this conclusion on the
and peer? lesson? lesson?

References:

Perl, S. & Schwartz, M. (2006) Writing true: The art and craft of creative nonfiction.
Boston, New York: Houhgton Miffin Company

Mazzeo, T. (2012) Writing creative nonfiction: Course guidebook. United States of America: The Teaching Company

Israel, L. (2017) Creative Nonfiction. G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc.

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