Fiction Text Structure Chart

Working on fiction text structure is a great way to build both comprehension AND writing skills. This FREE fiction text structure chart is the perfect visual to help when teaching about fiction text structure!

Find even more free resources for fiction text structure.

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Fiction Text Structure Chart

While not all fiction texts follow this problem/solution text structure, many fiction texts {and even movies} do. From picture books to chapter books, we often see a rise and fall in action.

It is important for learners to understand this structure in order to comprehend, retell, and summarize a story. Understanding how this plot structure works is also a BIG bonus when teaching learners to WRITE their own stories.

This free fiction text structure chart has a roller coaster visual at the top to remind learners about the rise and fall of action.

 

6 Kinds of Problems in Fiction Texts

At the bottom, there’s a chart with the 6 kids of problems in fiction texts, with the sixth being totally new to me. I’m listing them here with just a few book examples for each, although some books could go into more than one.

1. Character vs. Character – A problem occurs between two of the characters in the story. The other character (antagonist) tries to stop the main character (protagonist) from reaching his goal.

Book Examples: Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina, Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, Fudge Books by Judy Blume, A Weekend with Wendell by Kevin Henkes

 

2. Character vs. Society – The main character (protagonist) struggles against unjust laws or other traditions from society that conflict with his/her sense of justice or ethics.

A Few Book Examples: The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman, & Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola

3. Character vs. Self – The main character has an inner struggle with a personal character flaw, desire, or belief.

A Few Book Examples: Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber , A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon, Waiting is Not Easy by Mo Willems, Jamaica’s Find by Juanita Havill, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

 

4. Character vs. Nature – A problem between the main character and nature, mainly in the form of severe weather or animals.

A Few Book Examples: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen {I recommend for Grade 4 and up}, My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, The I Survived Series… by Lauren Tarshis

 

5. Character vs. Supernatural – The main character has to overcome something or someone  that has supernatural characteristics, like characters with magical power.

A Few Book Examples: Because we’re in the middle of reading it, my mind goes straight to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, or any Greek Mythology

 

6. Character vs. Technology – Technology or a machine causes problems and the main character has to overcome it, often times destroying it.

This is a very new kind of problem and I don’t have as many texts that fit it. I’m sure there are some sci-fi books that fit. If you know of any, please share it in the comments! The only one I can think of right off the top of my head would be Frankenstein, but I’m SURE there are more. The only movie I can think of is Terminator. 🙂

 

Emily Kissner’s Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Retelling has been so helpful in understanding text features and text structures. If you’re looking for more information, it may be helpful to you, too!

 

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Even more Books with a Clear Problem/Solution Structure

 

Teaching Fiction: Story Elements & Text Structure

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy!
~Becky