1. Plot: The sequence of events in a story. This includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
2. Characters: The individuals (or groups) who participate in the story's events. This includes their motivations, relationships, and development.
3. Setting: The time and place in which the story occurs. This includes both physical location and the historical/cultural context.
4. Theme: The underlying message or idea explored in the story. This is often implied rather than explicitly stated.