1. Elements of a Short Story

2. Definition of a Short Story
A short piece of prose, usually under 10,000 words
Limited length requires precise development
Designed to make an immediate impression or to make a specific point, to persuade or influence
May be written to entertain or to impact the reader
Key elements of a short story:
Setting
Character and Characterization
Plot
Conflict
Theme
Style

3. Establishing a Setting
The time, location, and atmosphere created in a story
Can help to develop a background or to establish the foundation for a character
May or may not be important to the overall plot of the story
Place – the location where the story is taking place, can be a geographic or more specific (in the kitchen of a house)
Time – when the story is taking place
Historic period
Year
Time of day
Weather conditions or climate – weather or climate conditions may play a role in the plot or in establishing character
Social conditions – how the daily life of the characters will be impacted as a result of outside influences
Customs
Speech
Dress
Atmosphere or mood – the feeling created by the story, emotional setting used to induce fear, anger, excitement, happiness, etc

4. Purpose of a Setting To set up or provide background for the plot
To establish conflict; an antagonist in the story
To create atmosphere and impact reader emotions
To reveal or further develop the character
To clarify or reinforce theme or purpose of story

5. Characters
Characters are key to any short story. Around them, and their actions, the story develops.
There are two main types of characters, and a third, less important type that is used to fill out the story:
Protagonist – usually the main character; can be a hero or the victim of others in the story
Antagonist – this character opposes the protagonist; can be a villain or problematic contributor

6. Types of Characters
Flat – has only one or two distinct traits, ideas or qualities
Round- complex and multi faceted, many traits.
Static- remains the same throughout the story
Dynamic- undergoes a permanent change in some aspect of his/her character, outlook or personality
Stock/stereotype- special type of flat characters. Stereotyped nature is immediately known
Character foils- two characters who contrast each other so strongly to emphasize the differences

7. Characterization
Characterization is HOW the author develops or depicts the characters in a story.
Types of Characterization:
Direct – an author describes the character
Indirect – the author provides information to allow the reader to develop their own description of the character . METHOD USED S.T.E.A.L
Methods used for characterization:
Physical description of the character – how the character looks, may be described by a narrator or through self reflection
Dialogue or Character self-description – characters description of personality or dialogue to others that reveals personality traits
Actions – the way a character reacts to situations in the plot help to develop the character and their strengths and weaknesses
Thoughts – internal dialogue or description can help to show a characters intentions or motivation
Inference – the thoughts and descriptions of a character by other characters helps to show the outward appearance

8. Plot in a Short Story
The plot is a plan of action or a series of events that tell the story. The plot is built up and then unwound in the course of the story.
Introduction/Exposition
Inciting/Trigger
Incident
Rising
Action
Climax
Falling
Conclusion/Resolution
Identifies a basic problem or conflict
Complicating incidents or obstacles
Highest point of excitement
How the problem is resolved

9. Plot Points in Detail
Introduction/Exposition – introduces the setting, characters, and main conflict to be discussed in the story; should be effective in keeping the reader engaged
Inciting/Trigger Incident – a major event or action that begins the plot or stages of the story and the character development
Rising Action – the majority of the story which works to build the character and the steps they take to resolve their conflict; can involve obstacles and additional conflicts for the characters to overcome; must keep the reader engaged and looking toward resolutions and conclusions
Climax – the point in the story where conflicts are resolved and the characters deal with their obstacles; climax actions will lead to the end of the story
Falling Action – the aspects of the story that will bring about the conclusion
Conclusion/Resolution – the end of the story in which all aspects of the plot are tied up and conflicts are resolved; some stories may not have a clear conclusion or resolution (may lead to a new story beginning)

10. Conflict
The conflict in a story is the main tension that is faced by the character. It helps to create a struggle that will need to be resolved by the main character or characters. It may be external or internal.
Two types of conflict may arise in a short story:
External
Person vs. Person
Person vs. Society
Person vs. Environment
Person vs. Fate
Person vs. Technology
Person vs. Animals
Person vs. Supernatural
Internal
Person vs. Self – an internal struggle

11. Theme & P.O.V
The Style(POINT OF VIEW) of a short story is the author’s way of telling the story. It is the perspective, or point of view, in which they deliver the information for the reader, and can be very significant in the delivery of the theme.
Three Points of View:
First Person – the story is told by the protagonist or another significant character by using “I” or “we” to share events
Third Person Omniscient – an all knowing view of all characters including their thoughts and feelings; uses “he” or “she” or “they” to detail events
Third Person Limited – one character tells the story through detailing events and characters through their own perspective
The Theme of a story story is the point the author is trying to make in telling the story; the main message they wish to share with their intended audience (their readers).
Theme is usually shared through the telling of the story, but is not obvious. It may also hold varied meaning for different readers.
It can be a moral or a lesson, but almost always shares a belief the author wants to make apparent to the reader.