Elements of a Short Story

Definition A short story is a work of prose dealing with characters and a situation that represents some aspect of life. There are three characteristics of a short story: 1. one predominant character 2. one predominant incident 3. one main impression – common interpretation

The Elements of the Short Story Setting ~ This refers to the time, place and the situation of the story. This is usually presented at the first of the story and can often continue throughout. Local color often adds details to a story’s setting. This provides the reader with details about customs or particulars of a region or place.

The Elements of the Short Story Plot ~ This refers to the arrangement of the details and incidents in the story. It represents the basic structure of the short story of which there are six elements of a plot.

The Elements of the Short Story Characters ~ The fictional people in the story are called characters. The central or main character is called the protagonist. The forces or conflicts that act against the main character are called antagonists. In some stories this may take the form of another character. In other stories, the antagonist could be nature, society or it may even be the protagonist’s own conscience.

The Elements of the Short Story Conflict ~ The four main types of conflict presented by an antagonist are: a) man vs. man b) man vs. himself c) man vs. nature (the environment) d) man vs. supernatural

The Elements of the Short Story Theme ~ This is the main idea the author is trying to present. It usually deals with a moral lesson for the reader about life. A short story has only one main theme. In some types, such as escape fiction, there may be no theme at all.

Vocabulary for a short story Title ~ The title identifies or symbolizes the story’s purpose directly or indirectly. It may identify the story’s intent from the beginning or conceal it to the end. The title can often be the connection to the central events in the story. Also, the title serves as a device to direct the reader’s attention to the story and stimulate interest in it. Atmosphere ~ This is the feeling that the short story creates within the reader such as sadness, fear or mystery. Protagonist ~ central character facing a struggle Suspense ~ This is part of the plot. It is the quality in the short story that causes the reader to ask what is going to happen next or how it is going to turn out. It forces the reader to read further into the story. Two common devices used to create suspense are: a) Mystery – introducing an element of mystery or an unusual set of circumstances for which the reader craves an explanation b) Protagonist’s dilemma – placing the main character in a situation in which he or she must decide between two courses of action, both of which are undesirable.

Vocabulary Climax ~ highest point of suspense. Humor ~ device used to evoke amusement. Foreshadowing ~ a hint or clue early on in a narrative to indicate an event, usually unpleasant, that will occur later on. Symbolism ~ a technique in writing which uses a person, place or thing to represent something else. Ex: The colour “red” means danger. Local Color ~ this is a literary technique that a writer uses to develop the setting. It refers to the dialect characteristic to a particular area or district, customs, and even dress or costume habits. Pathos ~ literary technique used by the writer to create sympathy for a character in the story. Imagery ~ literary technique used by the writer to create an image (picture) in the reader’s mind.

PLot

PLot Exposition ~ The author generally introduces the characters and describes the setting. Motivating Incident ~ A problem or a goal is established.   Rising Action ~ Different events or conflicts develop as the main character struggles to overcome the problem or reach the goal. Climax ~ Frequently the story has a high or major turning point, an event, or conflict that leads to the resolution of a problem. Falling Action ~ The events that occur in the story after the climax. Resolution ~ The story generally concludes with the resolution of all conflicts and the “lived happily ever after” scene.