Analysing Fiction

Plot

The plot is the sequence of events in a story.

When analysing plot, ask:

• What is the main conflict?
• What changes during the story?
• Where does the turning point occur?
• How is the conflict resolved?
• Is the ending open or closed?

Do not spend your whole analysis retelling the plot.

Plot summary explains what happens.

Analysis explains why it matters.

Characters

Consider:

• what the character wants
• what prevents them from getting it
• how they behave
• how other characters respond to them
• whether they change
• what they may represent

A character can be revealed through:

• actions
• dialogue
• thoughts
• appearance
• relationships
• descriptions by the narrator

Setting

Setting includes time and place.

Ask:

• Where does the story take place?
• When does it take place?
• What atmosphere does the setting create?
• Does the environment influence the characters?
• Could the setting have symbolic meaning?

A dark, empty house may function as more than a location. It can also create tension or reflect a character's emotional state.

Conflict

Common forms of conflict include:

• character vs character
• character vs society
• character vs nature
• character vs self

Many stories contain more than one type.

Language

Pay attention to:

• imagery
• metaphors
• similes
• repetition
• contrasts
• symbols
• descriptions
• dialogue

Ask what effect these choices create.

Text

Daniel stood outside the classroom door with his hand on the handle. Voices drifted through the wall. He checked the time again even though he already knew he was twenty minutes late.

A basic response

Daniel is late for class.

An analytical response

Daniel's hesitation outside the classroom suggests that his main problem is not simply being late. His repeated checking of the time and reluctance to open the door indicate anxiety about entering and facing the people inside.

The second response uses details from the text to interpret the character.

1. Understand the basic plot.
2. Identify the main conflict.
3. Examine the characters' motivations and development.
4. Consider how the setting influences the story.
5. Notice important patterns or language choices.
6. Connect individual details to larger themes.
7. Support interpretations with evidence from the text.

Mistake: Retelling the whole story.

Better: Use only the plot details needed to support your analysis.

Weak: "The author uses a metaphor."

Better: Explain what the metaphor suggests and how it contributes to the story.

Weak: "The character is sad."

Better: Identify which actions, thoughts or descriptions suggest sadness and explain their significance.

Mistake: Assuming there is only one correct interpretation.

Better: An interpretation can be convincing if it is supported by the text.

A character repeatedly refuses help even when they are struggling.

What would be the strongest analytical question?

• A. What colour are their clothes?
• B. What might their refusal of help reveal about their personality or values?
• C. How many pages are in the story?
• D. What year was the story published?

Answer: B. It asks what the character's behaviour may reveal rather than simply identifying a detail.

• Analysis goes beyond plot summary.
• Characters are revealed through actions, thoughts, dialogue and relationships.
• Setting can influence atmosphere and meaning.
• Conflict drives much of the story.
• Language choices help create meaning.
• Support your interpretation with evidence.