1. Narrative Voice:
* First Person: The story is told from the perspective of a character within the story, using "I" and "me."
* Second Person: The story addresses the reader directly, using "you."
* Third Person: The story is told from an outside perspective, using "he," "she," "it," and "they."
* Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about the characters and events, often moving freely between their minds and perspectives.
* Limited Omniscient: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one or a few characters.
2. Diction and Tone:
* Formal vs. Informal: Formal language uses elevated vocabulary and complex sentence structure. Informal language is more conversational, using slang and contractions.
* Serious vs. Humorous: The tone can be serious and somber, or lighthearted and humorous.
* Objective vs. Subjective: Objective writing presents facts without personal opinions. Subjective writing expresses the author's feelings and biases.
3. Sentence Structure and Pacing:
* Short, choppy sentences: Create a sense of urgency or tension.
* Long, flowing sentences: Create a sense of calmness or introspection.
* Fast-paced narration: The story unfolds quickly, with lots of action and dialogue.
* Slow-paced narration: The story unfolds slowly, focusing on character development and internal thoughts.
4. Imagery and Figurative Language:
* Simile: Comparing two things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her eyes were like stars").
* Metaphor: Comparing two things without using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He was a lion in battle").
* Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects (e.g., "The wind whispered secrets").
* Symbolism: Using objects or events to represent something else (e.g., a rose symbolizing love).
5. Themes and Motifs:
* Themes: The central ideas or messages explored in the story.
* Motifs: Recurring elements or images that contribute to the themes.
6. Genre:
* Fiction: Imaginative stories with invented characters and events.
* Non-fiction: True stories based on real events and people.
* Fantasy: Stories featuring magical elements and supernatural creatures.
* Science fiction: Stories set in the future or alternate realities, often involving technology.
* Mystery: Stories that involve solving a crime or puzzle.
* Romance: Stories that focus on romantic relationships.
The style of a story is an important element that contributes to its overall impact and effectiveness. By carefully considering the elements of style, writers can create stories that are unique, engaging, and memorable.