The beginning of a story tells who and where. Writers have names for these: the characters and the setting.
- Characters are who the story is about: people or animals.
- Setting is where and when the story happens: a place and a time.
Key idea
The characters are who the story is about. The setting is where and when it happens.
Why it works
A reader needs someone to care about and a place to picture. “On a snowy night in the woods, a little fox…” gives both in one sentence, and the story can begin.
Worked example: Find them
“One windy afternoon, Leo took his new kite to the park.”
- Who? Leo: a character.
- Where? At the park: the setting.
- When? One windy afternoon: also the setting.
Answer: Character: Leo. Setting: the park, on a windy afternoon.
Common mistake
Calling the place a character, or forgetting to tell where and when the story happens. Characters do things; the setting is where and when they do them.
For the grown-up. A pet or a toy can be a character if the story is about it. When your child starts a story, ask: “Who is it about? Where are they? When is it?”