1. Plot: The sequence of events that make up the story. This includes the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
2. Characters: The people (or sometimes animals or other beings) who inhabit the story. This includes their motivations, relationships, and development throughout the narrative.
3. Setting: The time and place where the story takes place. This can include the physical environment, social context, and historical period.
While these three elements are fundamental, novels can also incorporate other elements such as theme, style, and point of view to create a richer and more complex narrative.