Significant objects are one type of existent. There are two types of significant objects:

  • Plot-Signficant: A plot-significant object has a substantial impact on the story’s plot.
  • Character-Significant: A character-significant object has some sort of significance to a particular character but does not have a significant impact on the story’s plot.
Concept map of the elements and properties of significant objects
Concept map of the elements and properties of significant objects

The properties of a significant object are:

  • Physical Characteristics: The physical characteristics of the significant object describe its size, weight, appearance, and other physical aspects.
  • Value: The significant object has valueto the characters in the story. This value may be:
    • Intrinsic – it is worth money (e.g. a treasure, money, etc.)
    • Source of power – it gives the person who possesses it magical, political, or some other form of power
    • Symbolic – it has spiritual, emotional, sentimental, or similar symbolic value
  • Integral to the Plot: The significant object is integral to the plot; without it the story would change significantly.