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 Lucky Lunch

Ellery was in the second grade at Jefferson School. She had a blue backpack and a purple lunchbox. The lunchbox was always filled with something tasty. Ellery’s dad was an excellent cook, and he made sure that Ellery had a healthy lunch to eat every day. One rainy day, Ellery…

A New Language

The first day Mohamed went to a delicatessen in his new neighborhood, he realized that he really wasn’t in Tunisia anymore. He looked up at the menu board, which had nothing but sandwiches on it, and wondered how he was going to figure out what all of these weird names…

Double Detention!

Ralphie was getting bored in his geography class. Mr. Hudson projected a map of Europe up on the whiteboard, and asked someone to turn off the lights so they could see it better. “I’ll do it,” said Ralphie, and he popped a paper spitball into a straw and blew it…

We Will Not Have Fun!

Matteo had come to babysit. “I am too big for a sitter!” Sonja said. “We will have fun,” said Matteo “We will not!” said Sonja. She went to her room. She stayed there for a long time. She did not have any fun.  Then, Sonja heard something. It was singing.…

Lonely Star

Astrid was only three hundred years old, and therefore, still just a kid when it came to the heavenly bodies in her galaxy. It was quiet out in space, and Astrid’s neighbors were light years away; much too far to be able to have a conversation, let alone become friends.…

Invisible Isabella

It happened the first time at the art gallery. Isabella was on a field trip with her class, and they were looking at some paintings by famous artists. A small painting off to the side of the room caught Isabella’s eye, and she walked away from her group to take…

Do You Believe in Fairies?

Peter Pan tells the story of the adventures of the magical boy named Peter Pan who lives in Neverland with his friends and some amazing beings. Peter’s great enemy, however, is the evil pirate Captain Hook. In this passage, Hook and his pirates have captured many of Peter’s friends. Hook…

The Clash of Blades

Like Robin Hood and the Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro is a man who helps those who are in trouble or are being abused, but he is considered by some to be an outlaw. In this passage, Zorro has come to visit Lolita Pulido at her father’s house, or hacienda, in California.…

Racing Home

Jill and Ricky lived in a farmhouse near a pond. Each spring, the pond was filled with baby turtles that climbed up onto the rocks to warm themselves in the sun.  One spring day, Jill was bored. She wanted to play with the turtles. Suddenly, she had an idea. Jill ran…

Domestic Experiences

Little Women is about the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They grow up during the American Civil War in a happy, if rather poor, family. In this passage, Meg is grown and now married to John Brooke, the former tutor of the girls’ next door neighbor. They…