Short Stories Characters

Five Elements of Fiction Types of Characters

Protagonist  the main character who is struggling against other characters or forces to achieve his/her goal. The protagonist is the central character. They can be good or bad throughout the story.

Antagonist  The person or force working against the protagonist  Does not always have to be the “bad guy”

Round Character  A complex, multi-dimensional character. A round character is realistic and life-like because the audience sees his/her strength and weakness at the same time.  This is a character we would see in “real life”

Flat Character  A single-dimensional character lacking the complexity we find in real-life characters. A flat character is generally either good or evil.  Minor characters are more likely to be flat characters.  Ex., Professor McGonagall

Static Character  A character that doesn't change throughout the story Often minor or supporting characters

Dynamic or Developing Character  This character undergoes an important change in terms of attitude or personal understanding as a result of the experiences through a short story.

Guess What Type of Character? Smigel Katniss Everdeen

Character Development Writing Character Descriptions

Dialogue Revealing characters through dialogue

Direct Characterization The writer makes direct statements about a character’s personality and tells what the character is like

Indirect Characterization The writer reveals information about a character and his personality though the character’s thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character This includes what other characters think and say

Show or Tell? Show= Indirect characterization Tell= Direct characterization ◦Can be biased

Direct or Indirect? A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Billy’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools. B. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Billy’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”

Conflict Writing conflict in short stories

4 types of Conflict Character vs. Character Character vs. Self Character vs. Nature Character vs. Society

Character vs. Character A struggle or dispute between two characters in the literature occurs Example

Character vs. Self Within a character, aspects of his or her personality may struggle for dominance. These aspects may be emotional, intellectual, or moral Internal conflict Example

Character vs. Nature/Supernatural When a character must overcome some natural obstacle or condition, a conflict with nature will occur Example

Character vs. Society When a character is at odds with a particular social force or condition produced by society. Ex- poverty, political revolution, a social convention or a set of values Example

Plot Writing effective plot lines

Plot Hill

Plot Definition: “A logical sequence of events” These events are frequently arranged in chronological order. But authors sometimes use other ways to order events. These might include “flashbacks” and “stream of consciousness.”

Exposition or Antecedent Action Provides background information about setting, atmosphere, character and theme.

Initial Incident  Introduces a problem which constitutes the first link in a chain of events leading to the climax. The initial incident marks the beginning of the rising action.

Rising Action A sequence of events, arranged in escalating order of importance, leading from the initial incident to the climax. This is the part of the short story which creates suspense as the protagonist struggles to achieve his/her goal.

Climax  the highest point of the story that represents the final, decisive confrontation between the protagonist and the individual or forces which oppose him/her.

Falling Action  This short phase of a short story follows immediately after the climax. Its purpose is to show the reader the immediate consequences of the decision reached in the climax.

Dénouement  This short section at the end of a work of fiction resolves the “problem” which the protagonist struggled to overcome. It also ties up any loose ends and reinforces the theme and tone of the selection.

Video- Plot Line UP!

Hooks In order to grab your readers attentions what are some different ways to open a story?

Some Ideas Begin with… A simile or metaphor A question A quotation A flashback (climax) A dilemma Create a suspicious event

I turned to my Dad who insisted we take a picture capturing the perfect snap shot of the majestic breath taking scenery. That’s when it happened, my mother snapped. I heard a deafening scream that pierced my ears and while I began to turn, I watched helplessly as she pushed my innocent brother to his undeniable demise.

Setting Writing in Short Stories

Setting “Setting” refers to the time and space that the action takes place in.

Time When the action takes place. “Time span” refers to the time between the beginning of the short story or novel and the closing action. This may vary from several hours or days to many years.

Physical Setting The physical locale of the action. Where does the story take place?

Emotional Setting refers to the atmosphere or emotional feelings which are evoked by the setting. It could be ominous or threatening, or romantic and hopeful.

Social Setting includes a person’s social status, what he/she does for a living, economic well-being, gender etc. Everything that makes up where a person fits into society.