Introduction to Short Story Elements

What are the 5 Elements of a Short Story? Character Setting Plot Conflict Theme Narrative Point of View (Perspective)

Character Definition Characters are the people, animals or imaginary creatures that are presented in a story. Depending on the type of text, characters can either be fictional (made up) or real individuals.

Character Terms to Know: Characterization: refers to the development of a character by an author. The more details given about the character, the more in-depth and realistic they may seem. Characterization can be: Direct In-direct

Character Terms to Know: Direct Characterization: tells the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” The author tells us directly that the boy and girl are quiet, well-mannered and obedient.

Character Terms to Know: Indirect Characterization: shows things that reveal the personality of a character. Example Atticus from To Kill a Mockingbird: “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. What assumptions can you make about Atticus’ personality, values, beliefs through the indirect characterization?

Character Terms to Know: Protagonist: A literary term to describe the main or central character(s) in a story (the ‘good guy’) Antagonist: A literary term to describe the main character in opposition with the protagonist (the ‘bad’ guy) Secondary Characters: Any characters presented in a story who are not part of the protagonists or antagonists

Character Types 1) Static: characters do not change throughout a story, regardless of conflict or interaction with other characters. A static character usually has a minor role.

Character Types 2) Flat: characters are not fully developed through characterization and lack detail. This character type is notable for one kind of personality trait or characteristic. Ie. ‘the mean older brother’

Character Types 3) Dynamic: characters are likely to change their temperament/ personality throughout a story, especially after conflict or interactions with other characters. Dynamic characters usually have a major role.

Character Types 4) Round: characters are portrayed with complex details, and have a multidimensional personality. We know their thoughts, their physical description, motives, desires, ambitions etc.

A character often becomes round and dynamic when the reader knows: What they look like How they act What they say Who they are with What they think What others think about them Why they act the way they do

Character Types 5) Foil: a character that is used to enhance another character through contrast.

Who is a dynamic, flat, static, round or foil character Who is a dynamic, flat, static, round or foil character? Explain your ideas.