Every night, as you settle in for bedtime stories, you’re actually introducing your child to the building blocks of storytelling. Whether you’re reading a simple board book about a sleepy bunny or a more complex tale about a brave little mouse, every story contains the same fundamental elements that make narratives work. Understanding these story elements—characters, setting, plot, theme, and conflict—helps children become better listeners, readers, and eventually, storytellers themselves.
What Are Story Elements and Why Do They Matter?
Story elements are the essential ingredients that make up every narrative, from the simplest board book to complex novels. Think of them as the recipe for storytelling—just as every cake needs basic ingredients like flour and eggs, every story needs characters, a setting, and events that unfold in sequence.
For young children, recognizing story elements builds crucial comprehension skills. When children can identify who the story is about (characters), where it takes place (setting), and what happens (plot), they develop a framework for understanding any story they encounter.
These elements also help children organize their own thinking and storytelling. When your preschooler tells you about their day, they’re naturally using story elements: “I (character) went to the playground (setting) and played on the swings, then had a snack (plot).”
Understanding story elements prepares children for more sophisticated reading as they grow. Students who can identify basic story components in picture books will more easily analyze character motivation, plot development, and themes in chapter books and beyond.
Let’s explore how these elements appear in books your child already knows and loves, starting with the simplest stories and building to more complex examples.
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
Board books introduce story elements in their most basic form, perfect for toddlers and very young children who are just beginning to understand that books tell stories.
Characters: The main character in “Goodnight Moon” is the little bunny getting ready for bed. There’s also the quiet old lady whispering “hush” and various toys that serve as minor characters. At this level, characters are simple and clearly identifiable—children can easily point to the bunny and understand that he’s the one the story follows.
Setting: The story takes place in the great green room, a cozy bedroom filled with familiar bedtime objects. The setting is contained and comforting, helping very young children understand where the action happens. The illustrations clearly show the room, making the setting concrete and visual.
Plot: The plot is beautifully simple—the bunny says goodnight to everything in his room before falling asleep. There’s a clear beginning (bunny in bed), middle (saying goodnight to objects), and end (falling asleep). This straightforward sequence helps toddlers understand story progression.
Theme: While very young children won’t grasp abstract themes, “Goodnight Moon” introduces the concept that stories can have meaning beyond the surface events. The theme of comfort, routine, and peaceful transition to sleep resonates with children’s daily experiences.
Conflict: The gentle conflict is the bunny’s need to settle down for sleep. It’s resolved through the soothing routine of saying goodnight to familiar objects. This mild tension and resolution introduces children to the idea that stories often involve small problems that get solved.
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
This book introduces more complex story elements while remaining accessible to children who can follow longer narratives and understand more sophisticated concepts.
Characters: Max is a dynamic main character who experiences real emotions and changes throughout the story. Unlike the static bunny in “Goodnight Moon,” Max has a character arc—he starts angry and wild, becomes king of the Wild Things, then realizes he wants to return home. The Wild Things themselves are memorable supporting characters with distinct personalities shown through their actions and expressions.
Setting: The story moves between two distinct settings—Max’s house (realistic) and the land of the Wild Things (fantastical). This introduces children to the concept that stories can take place in multiple locations and that settings can be both real and imaginary. The contrast between the ordinary bedroom and the extraordinary wild place adds depth to the narrative.
Plot: The plot structure is more complex, featuring a clear problem (Max’s anger and punishment), rising action (his imaginative journey), climax (becoming king), and resolution (returning home to love and dinner). Children can follow this emotional and physical journey, understanding how Max’s feelings drive the story events.
Theme: Preschoolers can grasp the theme that even when we’re angry or feel wild, we still need love and family. The story explores the balance between independence and security, adventure and home—concepts that resonate with children’s developmental stage.
Conflict: The conflict operates on multiple levels—Max’s initial confrontation with his mother, his need to control his wild emotions, and his ultimate desire for love and belonging. The resolution shows that love remains constant even when we misbehave, a powerful message for preschoolers.
“Corduroy” by Don Freeman
Pre-K books can handle even more sophisticated story elements, preparing children for the complex narratives they’ll encounter in elementary school.
Characters: Corduroy undergoes significant character development throughout the story. He begins as a hopeful but rejected toy, becomes determined and brave during his nighttime adventure, and ends as a beloved companion. Lisa also shows character growth, demonstrating empathy, persistence, and love. The character arc shows how experiences change characters, introducing children to psychological depth in storytelling.
Setting: The story uses multiple, carefully chosen settings—the department store (representing the commercial world), Corduory’s nighttime exploration (adventure and discovery), and Lisa’s home (love and belonging). Each setting serves the plot and character development, showing pre-K children how authors use place to enhance meaning.
Plot: The plot structure includes sophisticated elements like flashback (Corduroy remembering the mountain he came from), parallel storylines (Corduroy’s search and Lisa’s saving money), and satisfying resolution where multiple story threads come together. The pacing builds tension and releases it effectively.
Theme: Multiple themes weave through the story—the power of determination, the importance of being loved for who you are, and the idea that home is where you’re accepted. Pre-K children can discuss these deeper meanings and connect them to their own experiences with friendship and belonging.
Conflict: The story presents both external conflict (missing button, store policies) and internal conflict (Corduroy’s self-doubt, Lisa’s patience while saving money). The resolution addresses both levels, showing children that problems can be complex but still solvable through care and effort.
Use Story Elements in Daily Reading
Understanding story elements transforms regular reading time into rich learning experiences. Before reading any book, you can preview these elements with your child.
Character Questions: “Who do you think this story is about?” “What do you notice about this character?” “How do you think they’re feeling?”
Setting Exploration: “Where does this story happen?” “What do you see in the pictures that tells us about the place?” “Does this look like somewhere real or imaginary?”
Plot Prediction: “What do you think might happen in this story?” “What problem might the character have?” “How do you think it will end?”
After reading, revisit these elements: “Who was your favorite character and why?” “What was the most important thing that happened?” “Where would you want to visit from this story?”
These discussions don’t need to be formal or lengthy. Even simple observations like “The bunny seems sleepy” or “This takes place in a bedroom” help children internalize story structure.
Build Lifelong Reading Skills
When children understand story elements, they become active participants in reading rather than passive listeners. They learn to predict, question, and connect with narratives in meaningful ways.
These early experiences with story structure prepare children for academic success. Students who understand how stories work can more easily comprehend textbooks, follow multi-step instructions, and organize their own writing.
Most importantly, understanding story elements deepens children’s enjoyment of reading. When they can appreciate how authors craft characters, build suspense, and create satisfying endings, reading transforms from a skill to be learned into a pleasure to be savored.
Every story you read together, from the simplest board book to complex picture books, builds your child’s understanding of how narratives work. These foundational skills will serve them throughout their reading life, helping them understand everything from fairy tales to science articles to their own creative stories.
Ready to help your child discover the magic of storytelling through systematic, engaging instruction? Start your free 7-day trial of the Reading.com app and watch as understanding story elements transforms your child into a confident, enthusiastic reader who truly understands how great stories work.
