One key element is the location. It could be a specific city like Paris or a fictional place like Middle - earth. Mark it on the worksheet. Another is the climate. If it's a desert setting, the hot sun and lack of water will impact the story. Then there's the time period. A 19th - century London setting will have different technology and social norms than a 21st - century one. Also, consider the local economy. Is it a rich, bustling trading hub or a poor, rural area? These elements are crucial to include on the worksheet when building a novel's setting.
The essential elements are characters, setting, and plot. For characters, write down their physical appearance and motives. For the setting, note the geographical location and the time frame. And for the plot, list the main events in order.
The key elements include their physical characteristics. For instance, if one character is tall and strong and the other is small and frail, it can affect how they are perceived in the story. Another element is their motivation. Why are they doing what they're doing? If one character is motivated by money and the other by justice, it's a big contrast. Their relationships with other characters are also crucial. A character who is loved by everyone will be different from one who is feared.
Characters are key. You need to include their names, personalities, and backstories. For example, if your character is a detective, note down why he became a detective. Also, the plot outline. Write the main events in order, like the beginning, middle, and end. And don't forget the setting. Whether it's a spooky old mansion or a bustling city street, it sets the mood.
Perhaps it could cover the geographical location of the story in history. If it's a historical novel set in a particular city or region, the worksheet might detail how that place was like during that time. It could mention the architecture, the local customs, and the industries present. Another key point might be the major historical events that the novel is related to. For example, if it's a novel set during the Industrial Revolution, it would be important to note how the revolution changed the society, economy, and people's mindsets, which are all part of the historical setting.
The time frame is crucial. Decide if it's the past, present, or future. It affects the technology, the social norms, and the language used. For example, in a novel set in the future, you might have advanced technology like flying cars.
One key feature is character traits. Include questions that help readers analyze the characters' personalities. Another is the plot structure. Have questions about the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Also, the theme should be a part of it. For example, ask 'What is the main theme and how is it shown in the story?'
First, identify the key elements of your novel's genre. For example, if it's a fantasy novel, you might need to include magical elements in the setting. Then, use the worksheet to list out geographical features like mountains, forests, or rivers. Also, think about the time period. Is it in the past, present, or future? If it's historical, research the typical architecture and social structures of that era. You can also consider the climate. A cold, snowy setting can create a very different mood than a hot, tropical one. The worksheet can help you organize all these details and ensure that your setting is well - developed and consistent throughout the novel.
A short story worksheet usually includes prompts for character development, plot outlining, and setting description. It might also have sections for analyzing themes and conflicts.
The use of light and shadow is crucial. In a 50s setting horror story, you can have a single source of light like a candle or a flashlight that keeps going out every 50 seconds. This creates a sense of vulnerability. Another important element is the feeling of impending doom. The characters should sense that something bad is going to happen every 50 seconds, whether it's through a premonition or strange signs around them like a cold wind or a strange smell.