Final answer:
In personal narratives, the setting provides the contextual frame of reference, affecting mood, while characters, based on real people, drive the plot. Both elements are essential for compelling storytelling.
Step-by-step explanation:
In personal narratives, the setting and characters are crucial elements that provide context and depth to the story. The setting encompasses the time, place, and atmosphere where the narrative takes place. It is essential for giving the story a frame of reference and can significantly influence the story's mood. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher, the gloomy setting helps to evoke feelings of confinement and depression.
Characters in a narrative are the individuals who drive the plot through their actions. In nonfiction narratives, these characters are usually based on real people, although the author may choose to focus on specific character traits while minimizing others. It is vital that the characters' language and behavior reflect their traits, making them more relatable and engaging for the reader.
Overall, the deliberate choice of details in characterization and setting can enhance the narrative by making it more compelling and vivid for the audience. Consideration of both elements is imperative for successful storytelling.