ELEMENTS

OF FICTION
Creative Writing

TEACHER DEGUITO
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to;
a.) identify and explain the elements of setting and atmosphere (time,
place, and milieu) in a given fictional text;

b.) demonstrate appreciation and interest in how setting and

atmosphere affect storytelling by actively participating in group
discussions; and

c.) create a short fictional scene (1–2 paragraphs) that clearly

presents time, place, and milieu, using descriptive language
Picture the Place

“The narrow streets of the war-torn town were filled with

broken stones and abandoned homes. Smoke still floated
in the air, carrying the smell of fire and dust. Old walls
were covered with cracks and faded posters from past
elections and protests. A small church stood in the center,
its bell silent and its windows shattered. Few people
walked outside, their faces tired and fearful. Even in the
quiet, the town seemed to remember the pain of its past.”

01
SETTING SPOTTER
Instruction: Read the short
descriptive paragraph carefully.
Underline words or phrases that
show the time and place. Incircle
words that describe the mood or
atmosphere. After 5 minutes
present your answer.

02
 EXAMPLE
The clock struck midnight, and the deserted streets of the
old town were bathed in silver moonlight. Shadows
stretched long across cobblestones, and the faint echo of a
distant bell added a lonely rhythm to the stillness. Windows
were dark, and the occasional rustle of dry leaves in the
cold breeze sounded unnervingly loud. The atmosphere was
"quiet and eerie, filled with a sense of anticipation, as if the
town itself were holding a secret in the dead of night.

02
 SETTINGS
AND
ATMOSPHERE
Element of Fiction
What is Setting?
refers to the time and place in which a story
occurs, along with the surrounding conditions that
shape the story’s events and characters. It’s more
than just a backdrop; it can influence the mood,
plot, and behavior of characters.

Example:
A crowded city street at night during a rainy winter.
THREE BASIC FORMS
OF SETTINGS
1. NATURAL WORLD
In this setting, the natural landscapes of the world
play an important part in a narrative, along with
living creatures and different times of weather
conditions and seasons.
Example 1: Forest Setting

The story takes place in a deep forest where tall trees

block most of the sunlight. Birds sing every morning,
and wild animals move quietly among the bushes.
During the rainy season, the ground becomes muddy
and dangerous. The changing weather often affects the
characters’ journey.
Example 2:

The story is set near the ______, where waves crash

loudly against the shore. Fishermen depend on calm
weather to go to work. During stormy days, boats
cannot sail, and people stay inside their homes. The
changing tides and seasons influence their daily lives.
Example 3:

The story happens in a cold m_________ area covered

with snow. Strong winds blow every night, and thick
fog makes it hard to see. The characters struggle to
climb the steep paths during winter. The harsh
environment tests their strength and courage.
2. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND
narratives reside
Past events that have impacted the cultural
background of characters or locations are
significant in this way.
Example 1: Post-War Community

The story is set in a small town after a war has ended.

Many buildings are damaged, and families are still
mourning their lost loved ones. Because of the past
conflict, people are careful about trusting others. The
characters’ actions are shaped by their memories of
the war.
Example 2: Indigenous Community

The narrative happens in an indigenous village where

traditions have been passed down for generations.
Long ago, their land was taken, which changed their
way of life. Elders teach the young people to honor
their culture and history. The past continues to guide
the community’s values.
3. PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PLACE
that has been created/maintained and/or resided in
by people. Examples of this include a house, a park,
a street, a school, etc.
Example 1: Family House

The story takes place in a small family house at the

edge of the town. Inside, the living room is filled with
old photographs and simple furniture. It is where the
main character feels safe and shares personal
problems with family members. Many important
conversations happen in this place.
Example 2: School Campus

The story is set in a public high school where students

gather every day. Classrooms are noisy in the morning
and quiet during exams. The main character meets
friends, faces challenges, and learns important lessons
here. The school becomes a place of growth and
change.
A SETTING USUALLY INCLUDES:
Time – When the story happens
(historical period, season, time of day,
or even a specific year).
Place – Where the story happens (city,
countryside, house, fantasy world).
A SETTING USUALLY INCLUDES:

Social/Cultural Environment – Customs,

traditions, societal norms, or political
and economic conditions.
ATMOSPHERE
refers to the overall feeling or tone that the
writer creates in a story. It is how the story feels
to the reader because of the setting,
descriptions, and events. It is created through
details like weather, place, lighting, and sounds.
Example: A dark, empty hallway with flickering
lights creates a scary atmosphere.
MOOD
refers to the emotion that the reader feels while
reading the story. It is the feeling that the story
gives to the reader.

Example: After reading a sad story, the reader

may feel lonely or emotional.
 BUILD THE SCENE
Instruction: Form 10 groups and receive a
basic plot situation and an assigned setting
and milieu. Write short paragraph that
clearly describes the setting and atmosphere
of the scene. Use vivid details and
descriptive words to show mood,
environment, and context. Be ready to
present the paragraph to the class.
 EXAMPLE
Plot Situation: A teenager discovers an old diary that
reveals a hidden family secret.
Setting: Late afternoon, dusty attic of a centuries-old house.
Milieu: Family steeped in tradition, living in a historical town
where reputation and legacy are highly valued.
 EXAMPLE
Dust motes floated in the golden shafts of late afternoon
sunlight that seeped through the small attic window. The air
was heavy with the scent of old wood and faded fabric, and
cobwebs clung to forgotten trunks and boxes stacked in
every corner. The walls, lined with peeling wallpaper,
seemed to whisper secrets of the past, and the creaking
floorboards groaned under each careful step. A large,
leather-bound diary lay half-buried under yellowed papers,
its cover cracked and worn. The atmosphere was tense and
mysterious, as if the attic itself was holding its breath,
waiting for the teenager to uncover the long-hidden truth.
1. What does “setting” in a story
mainly refer to?

A. The lesson of the story

B. The characters’ names
C. The time and place of the story
D. The ending of the story
1. What does “setting” in a story
mainly refer to?

A. The lesson of the story

B. The characters’ names
C. The time and place of the story
D. The ending of the story
2. Which is an example of a setting?

A. A brave hero
B. A happy ending
C. A rainy night in the city
D. A funny joke
2. Which is an example of a setting?

A. A brave hero
B. A happy ending
C. A rainy night in the city
D. A funny joke
3. Which element refers to the overall
feeling created by the writer?
A. Plot
B. Atmosphere
C. Mood
D. Character
3. Which element refers to the overall
feeling created by the writer?
A. Plot
B. Atmosphere
C. Mood
D. Character
4. What is mood in a story?
A. The feeling of the reader
B. The place of the story
C. The author’s life
D. The main problem
4. What is mood in a story?
A. The feeling of the reader
B. The place of the story
C. The author’s life
D. The main problem
5. Which belongs to the “Time” part
of setting?
A. School
B. Summer
C. Market
D. Mountain
5. Which belongs to the “Time” part
of setting?
A. School
B. Summer
C. Market
D. Mountain
6. Ariba reads a story set in a small
village during World War II. Which type
of setting is shown?
A. Natural world
B. Public place
C. Fantasy world
D. Cultural and historical background
6. Ariba reads a story set in a small
village during World War II. Which type
of setting is shown?
A. Natural world
B. Public place
C. Fantasy world
D. Cultural and historical background
7. A story takes place in a forest during
a heavy storm. Which setting is
emphasized?
A. Public place
B. Cultural background
C. Natural world
D. Private place
7. A story takes place in a forest during
a heavy storm. Which setting is
emphasized?
A. Public place
B. Cultural background
C. Natural world
D. Private place
8. The author describes cold wind,
dark clouds, and silent streets. What is
being created?
A. Plot
B. Mood
C. Conflict
D. Atmosphere
8. The author describes cold wind,
dark clouds, and silent streets. What is
being created?
A. Plot
B. Mood
C. Conflict
D. Atmosphere
9. A story happens inside a classroom
during exam week. Which part of
setting is shown?
A. Time and place
B. Mood only
C. Plot only
D. Theme
9. A story happens inside a classroom
during exam week. Which part of
setting is shown?
A. Time and place
B. Mood only
C. Plot only
D. Theme
10. After reading a story about loss
and separation, Anna feels sad. What
does she feel?
A. Setting
B. Mood
C. Atmosphere
D. Theme
10. After reading a story about loss
and separation, Anna feels sad. What
does she feel?
A. Setting
B. Mood
C. Atmosphere
D. Theme
11. Which situation best shows a
private place setting?
A. A luxurious mall
B. A serene street
C. A quiet bedroom
D. A calm market
11. Which situation best shows a
private place setting?
A. A luxurious mall
B. A serene street
C. A quiet bedroom
D. A calm market
12. The story is set in the Philippines
during the Spanish period. What does
this describe?
A. Natural world
B. Cultural and historical background
C. Mood
D. Plot
12. The story is set in the Philippines
during the Spanish period. What does
this describe?
A. Natural world
B. Cultural and historical background
C. Mood
D. Plot
13. The writer describes bright
sunlight, birds singing, calm wind, and
colorful flowers. What atmosphere is
created?
A. Happy C. Peaceful
B. Sad D. Lovely
13. The writer describes bright
sunlight, birds singing, calm wind, and
colorful flowers. What atmosphere is
created?
A. Happy C. Peaceful
B. Sad D. Lovely
14. While reading a horror story set in
an abandoned house, John feels
nervous. This feeling is called _____.
A. Scared
B. Mood
C. Anxious
D. Atmosphere
14. While reading a horror story set in
an abandoned house, John feels
nervous. This feeling is called _____.
A. Scared
B. Mood
C. Anxious
D. Atmosphere
15. A story happens at midnight in a
deserted hospital with flickering lights.
Which element helps make the story
scary?
A. Characters
B. Setting and atmosphere
C. Mood and Atmosphere
D. Dialogue only
15. A story happens at midnight in a
deserted hospital with flickering lights.
Which element helps make the story
scary?
A. Characters
B. Setting and atmosphere
C. Mood and Atmosphere
D. Dialogue only
 “Scene Builder”
Write a short fictional scene consisting of one to
two paragraphs. Set the story in a real or imagined
place and clearly show the time, place, and social or
cultural background. Use descriptive language to
create a clear mood and atmosphere. Organize ideas
logically and make sure the scene is complete and
meaningful.
 Thank You
for Listening