The Short Story

Short Stories are… less complex than novels. have a single plot. have a single setting. have a limited number of characters. cover a short period of time.

Elements of a Short Story There are certain things that make a short story what it is. Setting Plot Conflict Character Point of View Theme

Setting The time, place, and surroundings of a story. Usually limited due to short time frame.

Plot The sequence of events that make up the story. Usually five main stages in the plot: Introduction (Exposition)/ Inciting Incident Complication / Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution (denouement)

Plot of Events Climax Complication Falling Action Introduction Resolution

Character The creatures, either human or non-human, that create and experience the story. Protagonist Antagonist

Conflict Essential to plot. The disagreements between characters or forces. Builds tension in a story.

Types of Conflict External Internal Character vs. Character Character vs. Circumstances Character vs. Society Character vs. Nature Internal Character vs. Self

Narrator The person and/or character telling the story. Can speak from a number of different points of view.

Points of View First Person Third Person Omniscient objective Omniscient limited Omniscient objective

Theme A broad idea, message, or lesson the author explores with his/her story. Not to be confused with the conflict or subject with which the story deals. The message the author is making about the issue, problem, or subject.

Common Themes Love is blind Believe in yourself Don’t judge a book by its cover Things are not always as they appear to be.

Literary Devices Say what? The parts of the story that create depth and make it more complex. Flashback Foreshadowing Symbolism Irony

Flashback When the author interrupts the plot to show the reader an incident from an earlier time. Gives the reader a memory. Provides the reader with more information.

Foreshadowing When the author gives the reader a clue or hint about what is going to happen later in the story.

Symbolism Objects or characters that represent something beyond their face value. Can be words, images, objects, settings, events, or characters.

Irony There are 3 types of irony: Verbal Dramatic Situational

Verbal Irony Contrast between what is said and what is meant. Sarcasm

Dramatic Irony The contrast between what the character thinks to be true and what we (the reader) know to be true. Example: soap operas

Situational Irony the contrast between what happens and what was expected. Example: pranks that backfire. Most common in literature.