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Literary Elements of a Non-Fiction Story

Unlike fiction, which uses a number of elements in creating a story, nonfiction has very few unified elements. Because of the wide variety of nonfiction writing, two different pieces can use completely different elements, while still falling under the same umbrella of nonfiction writing. Where one nonfiction story, like a news article, might employ conflict and character -- two common fiction elements -- another nonfiction story, like a travel article, might not. However, there are a few basic components that make up most nonfiction pieces, and many nonfiction stories use the same elements as fiction. Between these common elements, the elements of nonfiction can be found.

Fiction Elements
- The literary elements of fiction are plot, setting, conflict, character, symbol and point of view. Each of these elements can be used in nonfiction writing, but are not always present and are not required to create nonfiction. Creative nonfiction often employs some or all of the elements of fiction, including the use of character and setting. A more straightforward nonfiction piece may only employ point of view or chronological setting to convey the message, or might use none of the elements of fiction.
Theme
- Every piece of writing, whether it is fiction or nonfiction, contains a theme, which is the focus of the story. Without it, there is no story. Nonfiction writing might use the same type of theme that is used in fiction writing, such as romantic love or the struggle to survive, or it may employ themes that are less common in fiction writing, such as providing information about a place. The theme of a nonfiction piece may be as simple as the subject of the story, or may be as complex as the politics of human interaction, which can then be used to create an interesting piece about the subject.
Characterization
- Nonfiction, with a few exceptions, usually employs characterization. This means developing a sense of personality for the characters in the story. Character might be developed using quotes or by describing actions, or it might be developed in the same way that a fictional story develops a character. When an individual or group is not the focus of the story, characterization can still be used to develop the subject of the nonfiction piece. For instance, when writing a journalistic piece about a historic building, the building can be characterized using description, in the same way that you would describe a human character.
Tone and Style
- Setting the tone and style of a nonfictional piece is just as important as in a fictional piece. Though tone and style are not usually grouped under the elements of fiction, they are nonetheless essential to nonfiction writing. Every piece of writing will set a tone, which can mean approaching an educational topic with an authoritative tone, or approaching a journalistic piece with a conversational tone. Also important is the style of the piece. Whether the piece is creative, narrative, biographical or otherwise, the style must be determined before the piece can be completed in a cohesive way.

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