Elements of Prose

The basic elements of prose are :
1. Theme
Theme is the general idea of a story.
2. Setting
Setting is the information of the where the story occur and the time of the story. Setting
also include a context (especially society) beyond the surround of the story, like culture,
historical period, geography, and occupation.
3. Plot
Plot is the sequence of events.
4. Point of View
Point of viewis the different angle to see the subject.
5. Character and Characterization
Character is an individual (usually a person) who play in a story. Characterization is the
method used by the writer to develop a character.
6. Symbols
Symbols is the language style used by the author.
7. Atmosphere
Atmosphere is condition and emotion in a story.
The origins of the word can be traced to the Latin phrase prosa oratio or “straight and
unembellished speech“). Some people also refer to the earlier phrase pro versusm or “turned
forward” when discussing the etymology of the word.
The prose is a lot more normal as it uses a language that is ordinarily used while writing or
speaking. Prose differs from poetry in its unit of construction. While poetry is built in terms of
verses and stanzas, Prose is written in term of sentences and paragraphs.
It developed later than poetry and its style is usually traceable to particular author or genre. It
lacks a meter or rhythmical pattern that forms the underpinning of most forms of poetry.
Magazine articles, novels, short stories, encyclopedias, letters, editorials, articles, and journals
are all examples of prose.
Characteristics of Prose
The various characteristics of Prose are:
 Style of Prose
The content of the Prose can be fictional, nonfictional and heroic. Fictional Prose employs
creative design and imaginative writing. The examples can be parables, drama, novels and
short stories. When writing is fact based it is called non-fictional prose.
he examples can be biographies and formal essays. Heroic Prose is based on lore or popular
tales. It employs aggrandizement of age-old expressions which are often transmitted through
oral traditions. They include fables, lore and legends.
Often a single piece of writing may employ various different styles and tastes of content in order
to enhance the experience of meaning-making by the audience. The diverse abilities of fiction,
non-fiction and lore can create a holistic and wholesome process of indulging in a piece of
Prose writing.
 Forms of Prose
There are broadly four forms of prose. They are narrative, descriptive, expository and
persuasive. The narrative form builds a storyline with characters. The story can be fiction or
non-fiction.
It usually follows a set chronology (not always) and the sequence of exposition, building tension
and action, climax, denouement. The expository form provides unembellished and basic
information like in essays and speeches.
It tries to explain a phenomenon, topics and themes. They lack an argumentative pitch or
storytelling ability. The descriptive form provides details about something like in scientific or
medical reports.
They also lack any story or argument. It uses the five senses and builds in-depth information on
the chosen topic. It is often used with narrative, persuasive and descriptive forms.
Persuasive form tries to entice the reader by making an argument in favour of a point. It
provides ample evidence for the merits or disadvantages of the determined point and tries to
convince the audience of the same. It lacks storyline as well.
 Prose Construction
The construction of Prose is often dependent of some elements
like characters, theme, setting, plot, perspective and mood. The character is an individual
who plays a part in any story.
Characterization is the entire process of developing a character. Characters can be people or
animals. The story depends on the interaction and relationships between various characters.
Examples of characters are protagonist, antagonist, helper, anti-hero, villain etc.
The theme is the controlling idea or message of a story. It is often shown as a result of the
actions of characters and their changing relationships. A story can also have certain sub-themes
that aid the development of the controlling idea.
The setting is the background of the story. It includes information about the place and the time
of the story, the context (social, historical, culture or geographical). The sequence of events in a
story is its plot.
It depicts the flow of ideas and actions in a story. It works on the points of conflict, human
rivalries and difficulties. It can be plausible and linear or completely bizarre with unexpected
twists and turns.
Perspective or point of view is the angle of looking at the subject and the entire story. It can be
in first-person (the narrator is part of the story) or in third-person (the narrator is not a part of the
story).
The mood represents the overall feeling the author intends to create for the audience. It is the
creation of an atmosphere of emotions by adding imagery, situations, things, ideas or events
and other details (sensory and extra-sensory) to the setting. It can be sad, triumphant, ecstatic,
hopeful, tragic etc.

Elements of Prose

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The basic elements of prose are :

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