What Is Prose Fiction?

Prose fiction is imaginative writing in prose form, encompassing novels, novellas, and short stories. In IB English Literature, prose fiction often explores themes, characters, narrative voice, and setting, and requires close reading to interpret style and structure.

SPICES: A Prose Fiction Annotation Guide for IB English A: Literature

Use this framework to annotate and analyze prose fiction extracts in Paper 1 and other assessments. Each section will help you deepen your understanding of the text and structure a strong literary commentary.

1. S – Setting

The where and when that shapes mood, tone, and conflict.

1. What is the physical and social setting?
2. How is the setting described (imagery, symbolism)?
3. What tone does the setting establish?
4. How does the setting influence the characters or plot?
5. Are there any customs, traditions, or values at play?
6. Does the setting create tension, isolation, or safety?

2. P – Perspective (Narrative Voice)

The lens through which the story is told.

1. What point of view is used (first-person, third-person, etc.)?
2. How reliable is the narrator? Biased or objective?
3. What does the narrator reveal or conceal?
4. How does the perspective shape reader understanding?
5. Are there shifts in voice, tone, or time?

3. I – Ideas

The themes, messages, and emotional impact of the passage.

1. What big ideas or themes emerge (e.g. identity, freedom, trauma)?
2. What is the author saying about life or human nature?
3. Are there philosophical, moral, or societal questions raised?
4. What emotions is the reader meant to feel?
5. Does the story challenge or reinforce norms?

4. C – Characters

Who the people are and how they are revealed.

1. How are characters described (physically and psychologically)?
2. What are their motives, fears, or desires?
3. How do they behave and interact with others?
4. Do they change (dynamic) or stay the same (static)?
5. What do other characters say or think about them?

5. E – Events (Conflict + Structure)

The action and shape of the story.

1. What is the main conflict (internal/external)?
2. What part of the narrative arc is this (climax, exposition, etc.)?
3. How does the pacing affect the tension?
4. Are there flashbacks, shifts in time, or non-linear events?
5. How do the events reflect or complicate character development?