When it comes to writing fiction there are some main elements that must be included. Although there is some debate as to what elements there are, it still stands that there are a few that are basic to every fictional piece that is penned. Effective writing requires and understanding of these fundamental elements.

Characterization
A character is a participant in the story, and is usually a person; although it may be any personal identity, or entity whose existence begins from a fictional work or performance. There are several character types to consider when writing fiction:

• Point-of-view character: the character from whose perspective (theme) the audience experiences the story. This is the “Main” Character.
• Protagonist: the driver of the action of the story and therefore responsible for achieving the stories, Also the Main Character.
• Antagonist: the character that stands in disagreement to the protagonist.
• Supporting character: A character that plays a part in the plot but is not major.
• Minor character: a character in a bit/cameo part.

Plot
The plot is the rendering and ordering of the events and actions of a story. On a smaller scale the plot consists of action and reaction, also referred to as stimulus and response. On an overall level, plot has a beginning, middle, and an ending.

Setting
Your setting is the location and time of a story and it is often listed as one of the essential elements of fiction. There are times when the setting is referred to as milieu, and includes a context beyond the immediate surroundings of the story. In some cases, setting becomes a character itself and can set the tone of a story.

Theme
The theme is the central idea or insight serving as a merging element, creating structure and is an answer to the question, ‘What did you learn from the piece of fiction?’ Sometimes a story’s theme is a major element and rather unmistakable.

Style
Every writer has his or her own unique style, or voice. The style is about how the story is written and interpreted. Style in fiction refers to language conventions used to construct the story or article. As a fiction writer one may manipulate diction, sentence structure, phrasing, dialogue, and other aspects of language to create style or mood.

If you create a piece a fiction with these elements included and you are a good writer, then you are well on your way to book publishing success.