Story Elements

Main story elements include characters, setting (where and when the story takes place), plot (the main conflict in the story that triggers the characters’ actions), and theme. Resolution of the plot is also often included as a story element. Check out our story elements anchor chart resources too!

The Proud Pumpkin

His eyes were lit for the first time, and Jack looked all around with wonder. He felt warm and happy, as all pumpkins do when they are turned into Halloween Jack-o’-lanterns. With a candle glowing inside, his toothy grin beamed out into the dark night surrounding him. It was that…

The Battle Between King Arthur and King Colgrin

King Arthur yelled from atop his trusty steed, Llamrei. “Sir Galahad! Call the knights together. Messengers just alerted me that we will be attacked in a fortnight.” Sir Galahad waved to King Arthur and rode off. The next day all the knights were assembled at the round table. “Men,” said…

Captains Courageous: Rescued!

Captains Courageous is the story of Harvey Cheyne, a wealthy and spoiled 15-year-old American boy, who falls overboard on the way to Europe with his parents. Harvey is rescued by the crew of a fishing boat from Gloucester, Massachusetts. Disko Troop is the captain. In this passage, Harvey has just…

Karen Helps Out

Karen sat at the kitchen table. She finished her last bite of cereal as she watched Dad fill a bucket with tools. “What are you working on today?” she asked. “Last week I fixed the porch railing,” Dad said. “That means today it’s ready to paint.” “Can I help?” asked…

Ninjas!

Kevin was the kind of kid who couldn’t sit still for very long. He was sometimes forgetful, too. He often left a messy trail behind him, although he didn’t mean to. It was no fun being scolded by his parents, so sometimes Kevin stretched the truth a little. “Who put…

The Birthday Wish

Polly was very excited about her birthday party. She invited her five best friends to a party at Green Tree Farm. Her father had blown up colorful balloons and tied them to the fence along the horse pasture. In the barn, there was a table with cake and party hats.…

Echo the Christmas Parrot

The little girl reached high up on her tip toes. She opened the mailbox and carefully put her letter inside. Happy, Lucy skipped back home, sure that Santa would be able to help her. ****************   At the North Pole, it was getting very busy. All the elves were working…

Three Little Birds

Early one morning, three little birds sat together on a fence. Stan was a blackbird. Jan was a bluebird. And Little Sue was a tiny brown sparrow. The birds were friends. They liked to talk before breakfast. “I am very, very hungry,” said Stan. He scratched his black belly with…

A Telegram

Louisa May Alcott published Little Women in 1868-1869. It tells the story of the March family: Father, Marmee, and their four daughters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They live in Massachusetts during the Civil War. Father, a once wealthy man, has lost his fortune. His family tries to manage while…

The Sad Day

Ava sat down at the lunch table. She always sat next to her best friend, Rory. “Hi, Rory!” said Ava. “Ready for recess?” Ava loved recess. She was excited to play tag. Rory did not answer. Instead, his shoulders started to shake. “Rory, what’s wrong?” Ava asked. She saw a…