Here are the specific elements that setting encompasses (from writersdigest.com):
- Locale - the basic "where" of the story
- Geography and man-made geography - the specific "where"
- Time of year - the broad "when"
- Time of day - the specific "when"
- Elapsed time - the time that passes during the story
- Mood and atmosphere - how the story makes you feel
- Climate - weather, temperature, rainfall - what's going on in the environment
- Eras of historical importance - important historical events during the story
- Social, political, and cultural environment of the locale
- Population in the locale
- Ancestral influences - culture, cuisine, dialogue and other aspects
Place might include such things as a city, state, country, castle, cottage, playground, ship, mountain, or stadium.
Time might include clues that let us know it is the afternoon, evening, the future, colonial times, or clock time.
Environment might include details that describe the weather, the noise level, or darkness.