1. Short Story Terms

2. Conflict Conflict: is the struggle between the main character and an opposing force. Conflict: is the struggle between the main character and an opposing force. TYPES: TYPES: Internal conflict: character-against-self, the protagonist (main character) is pulled by two courses of action or by differing emotions. Internal conflict: character-against-self, the protagonist (main character) is pulled by two courses of action or by differing emotions. Interpersonal conflict: character-against-character, the protagonist against someone else. Interpersonal conflict: character-against-character, the protagonist against someone else. External Conflict : External Conflict : Conflict of character-against-society happens when the protagonist is in conflict with society. Ex: war or poverty Conflict of character-against-society happens when the protagonist is in conflict with society. Ex: war or poverty Conflict of person-against-nature takes place when the protagonist is threatened by an element of nature. Ex. Hurricane or Flood Conflict of person-against-nature takes place when the protagonist is threatened by an element of nature. Ex. Hurricane or Flood

3. Theme Theme: is the meaning or message of the story. Theme: is the meaning or message of the story. Themes can be applied to the reader's own life or to another piece of writing Themes can be applied to the reader's own life or to another piece of writing Types of themes: Types of themes: An explicit theme is one that is stated openly in the story. An explicit theme is one that is stated openly in the story. An implicit theme is one which is not directly stated. Many times, readers will not notice that an explicit theme is directly stated, but they can often infer the theme anyway. An implicit theme is one which is not directly stated. Many times, readers will not notice that an explicit theme is directly stated, but they can often infer the theme anyway.

4. Imagery Imagery appeals to any of the senses - taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell. It paints pictures in our mind. Imagery appeals to any of the senses - taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell. It paints pictures in our mind. Always explain how the image is presented in the story, by giving examples. Always explain how the image is presented in the story, by giving examples.

5. Plot Plot: is the sequence of events which involves the characters in the story. Plot: is the sequence of events which involves the characters in the story. Chronological order: In this case, the events are told in the order they happen. Chronological order: In this case, the events are told in the order they happen. Exposition: Beginning!! an explanation of the situation and the condition of the characters. Exposition: Beginning!! an explanation of the situation and the condition of the characters. A plot usually begins with a problem which the protagonist must meet or solve. During the story, tension is built through a series of complications, incidents which either help or hinder the protagonist in finding a solution. This is the rising action. A plot usually begins with a problem which the protagonist must meet or solve. During the story, tension is built through a series of complications, incidents which either help or hinder the protagonist in finding a solution. This is the rising action. The climax is the peak or turning point of the action; at this point we know the outcome. The climax is the peak or turning point of the action; at this point we know the outcome. The resolution is the part after the climax. It gives any necessary explanation and ends with resolution, the sense of at the end of the story that it is complete. The resolution is the part after the climax. It gives any necessary explanation and ends with resolution, the sense of at the end of the story that it is complete.

6. Plot Diagram

7. Suspense Increased interest in a story that leads to the Climax. Increased interest in a story that leads to the Climax. It is also called RISING ACTION It is also called RISING ACTION

8. Climax The highest point of interest in a story The highest point of interest in a story The turning point in the plot The turning point in the plot

9. Setting TIME-clock time and calender time TIME-clock time and calender time PLACE-local and global PLACE-local and global CIRCUMSTANCE-what is happening when the story begins and in the world where the story takes place CIRCUMSTANCE-what is happening when the story begins and in the world where the story takes place

10. Atmosphere The overall emotional impression of a novel or short story. The author creates an atmosphere, or mood, by developing a strong sense of developing a strong sense of place. The overall emotional impression of a novel or short story. The author creates an atmosphere, or mood, by developing a strong sense of developing a strong sense of place.

11. Mood The feelings created in the READER by the author The feelings created in the READER by the author

12. Tone The feelings of the AUTHOR expressed in his/her writing The feelings of the AUTHOR expressed in his/her writing

13. Point of View The position from which The position from which Events are seen Events are seen A story is told A story is told An argument is made An argument is made 2 types 1 st person-The narrator is a character in the story and refers to himself/herself as “I” 3 rd person- The narrator is outside of the story and never refers to himself/herself in the story. The story is told from a “HE”, “SHE”, “THEY” position

14. Foreshadowing Something in the story’s plot that gives a hint or clue about what will happen at a later point in time. Something in the story’s plot that gives a hint or clue about what will happen at a later point in time.

15. Simile A comparison between two things using the word “like” or “as” A comparison between two things using the word “like” or “as” Example: Life is like a box of chocolates Example: Life is like a box of chocolates

16. Metaphor A comparison between two things NOT using the word “like” or “as” A comparison between two things NOT using the word “like” or “as” Note: Metaphor is stronger than a simile but harder to use well Note: Metaphor is stronger than a simile but harder to use well Example: Example: Life is a rollercoaster Life is a rollercoaster