Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Regional Office IX-Zamboanga Peninsula
11/
12 Zest for Progress
Z Peal of artnership
Creative Writing
Quarter 3 – Module 6:
Elements of Fiction
Name of Learner: ___________________________
Grade & Section: ___________________________
Name of School: ___________________________
Creative Writing – Grade 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 6: Elements of Fiction (First Edition, 2020)
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or
office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for the exploitation of such work for a
profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.
Published by the Department of Education
Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
Development Team of the Module
Writer: Marylou M. Cirilo
Editors/QA: Cristina G. Columbres
Jovie R. Cruz
Marion B. Guerrero
Reviewers: Florenda H. Quinte
Valeriafides G. Corteza, PhD
EPS-English
Layout Artist: Jovie R. Cruz
Management Team:
Roy C. Tuballa, EMD, JD, CESO VI
Jay S. Montealto, CESO VI
Norma T. Francisco, DM
Mildred D. Dayao, EdD
Valeriafides G. Corteza, PhD
Aida Coyme, EdD
Printed
Printedininthe
thePhilippines
Philippinesby ________________________
Department
Department of Education – Region
EducationRegion IX –IXZamboanga Peninsula
Office Address: ____________________________________________
Office Address: Pres. Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government
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Telefax: ____________________________________________
Sur Province 7016
E-mail Address:
Telefax: ____________________________________________
(062) 215-3753, 215-3751, 991-1907, 215-3789
E-mail Address: [email protected]
What I Need to Know
Creative writing is used extensively in literature. It is used to capture in words
‘significant human experiences’ or describe in vivid details feelings, emotions, and memories
that may be real or not. Literature comes in three genres: prose, poetry, and drama. For this
particular module, the focus will be on fiction.
As the word implies, fiction refers to a body of literary work that focuses on events that
are not real, and although these were created by the writer’s imagination, attention is given to
make them relatable to readers.
This module is made for you to understand the elements of fiction and it provides you
with a world view of subjects, topics, and content that adds to your knowledge.
In this module, you are expected to:
• Identify the various elements, techniques and literary device in various
modes of fiction. HUMSS_CW/MPlg-i-11
What I Know
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Long fiction is also known as?
a. the film c. the short story
b. the novel d. the nonfiction
2. The main element of fiction.
a. character c. conflict
b. climax d. catharsis
3. The structure/framework of fiction.
a. narration c. theme
b. plot d. summary
4. A type of narration that presents the thoughts of a character to the audience/reader.
a. objective c. omniscient
b. omnipresent d. operative
5. The part of the plot where the solution to the conflict is revealed.
a. introduction c. deflation
b. inflation d. resolution
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Lesson
1 ELEMENTS OF FICTION
The literary arts come in three groups –prose, poetry, and drama –and creative writing
helps us distinguish the two. The previous modules dealt extensively on poetry to distinguish
it from prose –a body of literature that is both narrative in style and declarative in form. Prose
is further classified as fiction and nonfiction. Fiction consists of works that are based on
fabricated events and experiences, as opposed to the factual nature of nonfiction.
Fiction is divided into the short and long type, obviously based on their differences in
length and word count. Long fiction is also known as the novel, while short fiction, though
popularly named as short story, can also be a novella, novelette or flash fiction.
Fiction contains certain symbolic and thematic features known as “literary merits.” In
other words, fiction narrates a story, which aims at commenting on something significant
related to social, political, or human related issues.
In this module, we shall be focusing on the elements of fiction. These ingredients create
works that are both entertaining and enlightening.
What’s In
Directions: Below is the illustration of Freytag’s Pyramid or also known as the plot
structure. Study it and answer the succeeding questions.
(Source: thepatronsaintofsuperheroes.wordpress)
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1. The part of the plot where the setting is identified.
a. exposition c. falling action
b. rising action d. resolution
2. The part of the plot where the conflict is introduced.
a. exposition c. falling action
b. rising action d. resolution
3. The part of the plot that is also known as denouement.
a. exposition c. falling action
b. rising action d. resolution
What’s New
Directions: Place a check mark beside the statement that describes fiction.
____ 1. It is meant to be performed on stage or dramatized by actors.
____ 2. It follows a chronological sequence of events or timeline.
____ 3. It is based on empirical data obtained through sampling methods.
____ 4. It may have chapters or a prologue and epilogue to divide the flow of its plot.
____ 5. It observe a strict and formal syntax to ensure the rhythm of letter sounds.
What Is It
This module will discuss five of the elements of fiction.
1. Plot. Also known as the structure or framework of the story, or the
sequence or timeline of events as they transpire, the plot comes in five
parts: (1) introduction, (2) inflation (or rising action), (3) climax,
(4) deflation (or falling action) and (5) resolution (or denouement).
The setting (either place setting or time setting) of the story is made
known in the introduction. The main characters are also introduced
here. The conflict begins to reveal in the inflation. The highest point
of fiction is the climax, which is followed by the deflation where a
solution to the conflict begins to happen. The conclusion of the story
is called the resolution.
2. Characterization. The primary source of action and dialogue in a
work of fiction are its characters. How these characters are revealed
or detailed to the readers/audience is called characterization. The
main or major character is also known as the protagonist because the
conflict revolves around him or her. The source of this conflict is the
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antagonist. A special type of character is the antihero, who initiates
conflict in the story but also happens to be its main character.
In terms of prominence, a character may be main/major, supporting,
participant (has one or two lines) or mentioned (has no lines but is
mentioned). In terms of development, a character may be described
as static (there is no change that occurs in the role/portrayal) or
dynamic (there is change).
A character’s description in a story can be termed as round or flat.
The former involves details of a character’s past or attitude/behavior.
A flat character is only described through physical features.
3. Conflict. Conflict is the heart of fiction. It can either be internal or
external. Internal conflict suggests that the main character is facing a
dilemma or needs to choose between two options of equal weight and
consequences. External conflict, being the more common, can be in
any of the following forms:
man vs. man
man vs. society
man vs. nature
man vs. time
man vs. the unknown
4. Narration. Narration is the voice that guides the reader throughout
the progress or flow of a story. A narrator can be omniscient, meaning
the thoughts and memories of a character or characters are presented
to the readers. Limited omniscient is similar, though limited to the
main character or protagonist. Objective narration only presents
actions.
In terms of point of view, a First Person type means that the narrator
is a character in the story as it uses the personal pronouns (I, we).
Second Person point of view is rarely used, as this utilizes the
pronoun you. A Third Person point of view on the other hand means
that the narrator is either an observer or a secondary character. This
uses the pronouns he, she, they.
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What’s More
Activity 1: MODIFIED ACROSTIC
Directions: Describe fiction through sentences or phrases that begin in the following letters
that spell the word FICTION.
F
I
C
T
I
O
N
Activity 2: EMPATHY TABLE
Directions: Read the following excerpt from Nanking Store by Macario D. Tiu and fill out the
Empathy Table below it.
I was happy to see that she had begun to stir herself to life. It was ironic that she would do
so only after her husband’s death. But at the same time, we feared for her. Her mother-in-
law’s hostility was implacable. She blamed Linda for everything. She knew about the
scandal all along, and she never forgave Linda for making Peter the laughing stock of the
community, forcing him into the arms of a Bisayan girl of an unsavory reputation and
producing half-breed bastard sons.
We waited keenly for the showdown that was coming. A flurry of emissaries went to
Nanking Store but Linda stood pat on her decision to stay. Then one morning, her mother-
in-law herself came in her flashy Mercedes. We learned about what actually happened
through our domestic helper who got her story from the stay-in salesgirls. That was how
the entire community learned the details of the confrontation.
According to them, Linda ran upstairs to avoid talking to her mother-in-law. But the older
woman followed and started berating her and calling her names. Linda kept her composure.
She did not even retaliate when the older woman slapped her. But when the mother-in-law
grabbed Linda’s hair, intending to drag her down the stairs, Linda kicked her in the shin.
The old woman went wild and flayed at Linda. Linda at first fought back defensively, but
as the older woman kept on, she finally slapped her mother-in-law hard in the face.
Stunned, the older woman retreated, shouting threats at her. She never showed her face in
Santa Ana again.
While some conservative parties in the community did not approve of Linda’s actions,
many others cheered her secretly. They were sad, though, that the mother-in-law, otherwise
a good woman, would become a cruel woman out of desperation to protect and perpetuate
the family name.
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Since the enmity had become violent, the break was now total and absolute. This family
quarrel provided an interesting diversion in the entire community; we followed each and
every twist of its development like a TV soap opera. When the in-laws hired a lawyer,
Linda also hired her own lawyer. It was going to be an ugly fight over property.
Meanwhile, Linda’s transformation fascinated the entire community. She had removed her
scarf and made herself visible in the community again. I was glad that every time I saw
her, she was getting back to her old self. Indeed, it was only then that I noticed how
beautiful she was. She had well-shaped lips that needed no lipstick. Her eyes sparkled.
Color had returned to her cheeks, accentuating her fine complexion. Blooming, the women
said, seeming to thrive on the fight to remain in Nanking Store. The young men sat up
whenever she passed by. But they would shake their heads, and say “What a pity, she’s
barren.”
Then without warning the in-laws suddenly moved to Manila, bringing with them the two
bastard sons. They made it known to everybody that it was to show their contempt for
Linda. It was said that the other woman received a handsome amount so she would never
disturb them again.
We all thought that was that. For several months an uneasy peace settled down in Nanking
Store as the struggle shifted to the courts. People pursued other interests. Then to the utter
horror of the community, they realized Linda was pregnant.
Like most people, I thought at first that she was just getting fat. But every day it was
getting obvious that her body was growing. People had mixed reactions. When she could
not bear a child, she was a disgrace. Now that she was pregnant, she was still a disgrace.
But she did not care about what people thought or said about her. Wearing a pair of elastic
pants that highlighted her swollen belly, she walked all over Santa Ana. She dropped by
every store on our block and chatted with the storeowners, as if to make sure that
everybody knew she was pregnant.
There was no other suspect for her condition but the driver. Nobody had ever paid him any
attention before, and now they watched him closely. He was a shy mestizo about Peter’s
age. A very dependable fellow, yes. And good-looking, they now grudgingly admitted.
“Naughty, naughty,” the young men teased him, some of whom turned unfriendly. Unused
to attention, the driver went on leave to visit his parents in Iligan City.
One night, I arrived home to find Linda talking with Mother.
“Hoa, Tua Poya! You’re so tall!” she greeted me. “Here are some oranges. I know you like
them.”
I said my thanks. How heavy with child she was!
“How old are you now?”
“Twelve,” I said.
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“Hmm, you’re a man already. I should start calling you Napoleon, huh? Well, Napoleon,
I’ve come here to say goodbye to your mother, and to you, too.”
She smiled; it was the smile I remembered when I was still very young, the smile of my
childhood.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to Iligan to fetch Oliver. Then we’ll proceed to Cebu to visit my
parents. Would you like to go with me?”
I looked at Mother. She was teary eyed. Linda stood up and ruffled my hair.
“So tall,” she said.
That was two years ago. We have not heard from Linda again. Nanking Store remains
closed. The store sign has streaked into pastel colors like a stale wedding cake. First
Brother says it is best for Linda to stay away. As for me, I am happy for her but I keep
wondering if she had given birth to a boy.
To empathize means ‘to share and understand the feelings of another.’ Think as if you were
Linda, and then fill in the empathy table. This can help you understand him or her more
deeply.
What are you thinking?
What are you feeling?
What are you seeing?
What are you saying?
What are you doing?
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What I Have Learned
Directions: Read the texts and fill the gaps. Choose the answer from the words inside the box.
third person dilemma protagonist conflict
plot narration deflation
physical round time
The _______ comes in five parts: (1) introduction, (2) inflation (or rising action), (3) climax,
(4) _______ (or falling action) and (5) resolution (or denouement). The setting (either place
setting or _______ setting) of the story is made known in the introduction. The main character
is also known as the _______ because the conflict revolves around him or her. The source of
this _______ is the antagonist.
A character’s description in a story can be termed as _______ if it involves details of a
character’s past or attitude/behavior. A flat character is only described through _______
features. Internal conflict suggests that the main character is facing a _______ or needs to
choose between two options of equal weight and consequences. _______ is the voice that
guides the reader throughout the progress or flow of a story. A _______ point of view on the
other hand means that the narrator is either an observer or a secondary character.
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What I Can Do
Directions: Ask your parents or any elder in your neighborhood about a popular tall tale or
legend. Write it down and identify the parts of its plot using Freytag’s Pyramid as guide.
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Assessment
Directions: Read the questions and circle the letter of the best answer.
1. It is the also termed as the “timeline” or “sequence” of narration in a story.
a. plot c. prosody
b. prose d. plough
2. The highest point of a story.
a. climax c. inflation
b. deflation d. resolution
3. At this stage of the story, the conflict is starting to get resolved.
a. climax c. inflation
b. deflation d. resolution
4. A type of narration that includes the trauma experienced by a character in childhood.
a. objective c. omnipresent
b. omniscient d. operative
5. The type of narration limited to the actions and movements of the characters.
a. objective c. omnipresent
b. omniscient d. operative
6. The narrator being the protagonist will have which of the following point of view?
a. first person c. third person
b. second person d. fourth person
7. If the narrator is giving orders or commands, the point of view is most likely?
a. first person c. third person
b. second person d. fourth person
8. “Once upon a time…” is an example of ___?
a. mental setting c. psychological setting
b. place setting d. temporal or time setting
9. A “rags-to-riches” story will have this type of character development.
a. dynamic c. round
b. flat d. static
10. The character’s physical qualities are the only information presented by the narrator.
a. dynamic c. round
b. flat d. static
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Additional Activities
Directions: Continue the story given the opening line from Moments Earlier by Kate Doyle.
Decide which character you will be or what narration you will use.
Kelly lands in a heap when she falls down the stairs—she falls half a flight at least, hits the
entryway tile.
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What I Know What's More Assessment
1. b Activity 1 (Answers may 1. a
2. c vary.) 2. b
3. b 3. a
4. c Activity 2 (Answers may 4. d
5. a vary.) 5. a
Answer Key
References
Electronic Sources
Source: “Fiction,” Anonymous, accessed December 13, 2020,
https://literarydevices.net/fiction/
Source: “Moments Earlier,” Kate Doyle, June 17, 2020 accessed December 13, 2020,
https://electricliterature.com/moments-earlier-kate-doyle/
Source: “NANKING STORE by Macario D. Tiu,” The Best Philippine Short Stories,
accessed December 13, 2020, https://www.sushidog.com/bpss/stories/nanking.htm
Image
Source: Chris Gavaler, Freytag’s Pyramid, digital illustration, April 23, 2018 accessed
December 13, 2020, https://thepatronsaintofsuperheroes.wordpress.com/tag/freytags-
pyramid/
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Development Team
Writer: Marylou M. Cirilo
Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School
Stand-Alone Senior High School
Zamboanga City
Editors/QA: Cristina G. Columbres
Jovie R. Cruz
Marion B. Guerrero
Reviewer: Florenda H. Quinte
Valeriafides G. Corteza, PhD
EPS – English
Layout Artist: Jovie R. Cruz
Management Team:
Roy C. Tuballa, EMD, JD, CESO VI
Jay S. Montealto, CESO VI
Norma T. Francisco, DM
Mildred D. Dayao, EdD
Valeriafides G. Corteza, PhD
Aida Coyme, EdD
14
