1. Elements of Literature Short Story Unit Mrs. Burt’s Language Arts

2. Characters -The people (or creatures) that a story is about -Characters can be developed by the author through descriptions, dialogue, their actions, and the reaction/description from other characters -Character/Personality Traits: e.g. smart, funny, loyal, shy, kind -Physical Appearance: what a person looks like e.g. hair, face shape, height, eye colour

3. Types of Characters -Primary (main) character(s): the story is about this person (this person is found the most) -Secondary character(s): characters that play a smaller role in the story (any character that is not a primary character) -Protagonist : the hero of the story (main character) -Antagonist : the character who works against the protagonist (vilian/rival )

4. Setting -WHERE and WHEN a story takes place -Time : can be specific or more general - past, present or future - a certain decade - specific date or season - specific time or time period (afternoon) -Place: can be specific or general (e.g. country, city)

5. Plot  What is the story about?  What are the major events of the story (in sequence)?  These events lead to the climax of the story  A type of summary of what happens in the story

6. Conflict -The problem or struggle that the character faces -It creates tension and drives the action of the plot 1)Person vs. Person - an argument or fight or struggle between two characters in the story 2)Person vs. Self – an inner conflict; a struggle within yourself; e.g. fears, anxiety, unsure about a decision 3)Person vs. Nature - a conflict or struggle with nature; animals, the environment, the weather/elements, with God 4)Person vs. Society - a character struggles with the rest of society or the large group; e.g. police, law, government, common beliefs or practices

7. Theme  The main message of a story  The central idea or lesson about life a story conveys (e.g. the whole point of the story or the moral of the story)  Answers the questions “What is the story about?” without describing the plot

8. Style a LITERARY DEVICE Tools and techniques used to write an effective, interesting story a)POINT OF VIEW - first person story (“I” or “we”) usually from main character’s point of view or third person story b)FLASHBACK - taking the reader back to an earlier time c)FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE - using descriptive language such as similes, metaphors, personifications, alliterations etc. d)MOOD - the feeling of the story (e.g. Sad, happy, scary, romantic) e)SYMBOLISM - an object standing for something beyond itself; something that represents something else f)SENSORY LANGUAGE - your 5 senses are a part of the story g)FORESHADOWING - giving clues or hints about a future part of the story h)CHARACTERIZATION - describing a character’s looks, behaviour, personality, emotions, etc.

9. The End