Elements of a Short Story Ms. Dettloff 1

Learning Target Identify and define elements of a short story 2

So, what is the definition of a short story? Overview So, what is the definition of a short story? Elements of a Short Story 3

Definition: Most often fictional writing between 500 to 5000 words Tells about a single event or experience Has a beginning, middle & end Has a protagonist & antagonist

Overview of Short Story Has a single plot Focuses on only one incident A small number of characters Single setting (most often) Setting covers a short period of time or a few places

Elements of a Short Story Setting Tells the reader where and when the story takes place.

Overview of Short Story Can be read in its entirety within one sitting. The plot is not very complex. The story quickly comes to the point.

Elements of a Short Story Plot The chain of related events that take place in a story. Built around conflict, which is a struggle between opposing forces.

Purpose To entertain To involve the reader in a single situation or conflict To demonstrate a central theme through a character’s life.

Elements of a Short Story Characters and Characterization The people, and in some stories, the animals that take part in the story. The description of the personalities of the characters in the story and the way in which an author reveals their personalities.

Elements of a Short Story Two Identifications of Characters 1. Protagonist – the hero of the story 2. Antagonist – the villain in the story who is always opposing the protagonist

Methods of Characterization Creating Believable Characters Elements of a Short Story Methods of Characterization Creating Believable Characters Indirect physical appearance speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of other characters Direct the narrator’s direct comments about a character

PLOT DIAGRAM Exposition The plot is the sequence or order of events in a story. The plot includes: Exposition The part of the plot that tells how the story begins. Rising Action The action in the story leading up to the climax. Conflict The struggles or problems between opposing forces. Climax The point of crisis in the plot. It may be the reader’s point of highest interest. Falling action The action in the story after the climax is revealed. Resolution The part of the plot that reveals the final outcome. PLOT DIAGRAM Climax Rising Action Conflict Falling Action Resolution Exposition

Elements of a Short Story Types of Conflict -Man vs. Man -Man vs. Nature -Man vs. Society - Man vs. Supernatural Being -Man vs. Himself

Elements of a Short Story Theme The main idea of a story. AND so much more! ’

Theme Portrays the views about life and how people behave – often a universal truth. (Golden Rule, etc.) Is not usually presented directly, the reader must connect the pieces. The reader can figure out the theme from the characters, their actions, setting of the story or with symbols presented.

Theme Continued To uncover the theme, the reader might refer to… The title of the story Notice repeating patterns, motifs and symbols Make connections to allusions made throughout the story

Character’s Development Characters’ Actions Dialogue or Thoughts Reactions to Other Characters or Situations Character’s Habits/Idiosyncrasies Character’s Possessions Physical Descriptions Background Information from Other Sources (usually from characters or foreshadowing from author)

Central Themes for English 9 Inter-Relationships How people interact with other people Self-Reliance How the character behaves/acts

The Theme may make you wonder: How do I relate to my family, my community, and my country? How do my relationships, skills and talents help to define me? What lesson(s) can I derive from stories? How can I apply these lessons to my life?

Elements of a Short Story CONCLUSION Now that we have identified and defined the elements of a short story, let us use the elements to analyze a Short Story.

Happy Reading!!!