The Short Story

Short Story Elements 1. Setting 1. Setting 2. Character 2. Character 3. Point of view 3. Point of view 4. Theme 4. Theme 5. Plot 5. Plot

Short Story Elements 1. Setting 1. Setting Setting is the time and the place of the story’s action. Setting is the time and the place of the story’s action. Setting includes ideas, customs, values and beliefs Setting includes ideas, customs, values and beliefs

Short Story Elements 2. Characters 2. Characters Characters are the actors in the story’s plot. Characters are the actors in the story’s plot. They can be people, animals or whatever the author chooses. They can be people, animals or whatever the author chooses.

Short Story Elements Characters, continued Characters, continued Protagonist-main character Protagonist-main character Antagonist-is in conflict with the main character. Not all stories have antagonists. Antagonist-is in conflict with the main character. Not all stories have antagonists.

Short Story Elements 3. Point of View 3. Point of View Point of view refers to the relationship of the narrator (storyteller) to the story. Point of view refers to the relationship of the narrator (storyteller) to the story. First-person point of view- First-person point of view- narrator is a character in the story, referred to as “I” narrator is a character in the story, referred to as “I” Second-person point of view- Second-person point of view-  narrator addresses an audience directly as “you”

Short Story Elements Third-person limited point of view- Third-person limited point of view- The narrator reveals the thoughts of only one character, referring to the character as “he” or “she” The narrator reveals the thoughts of only one character, referring to the character as “he” or “she” Third-person omniscient point of view- Third-person omniscient point of view- Narrator knows everything about story’s events and reveals the thoughts of all the characters Narrator knows everything about story’s events and reveals the thoughts of all the characters

Short Story Elements 4. Theme 4. Theme Theme is the central idea or message of a story, often a perception about life or human nature. Theme is the central idea or message of a story, often a perception about life or human nature.

Short Story Elements Stated Themes- Stated Themes- Are directly presented in the story Are directly presented in the story Implied Themes- Implied Themes- Must be inferred by considering all the elements of a story and asking what message about life it conveys Must be inferred by considering all the elements of a story and asking what message about life it conveys

Short Story Elements 5. Plot 5. Plot Plot is the sequence of events in a story. Each event causes or leads to the next. Plot is often created through conflict, a struggle between opposing forces. Plot is the sequence of events in a story. Each event causes or leads to the next. Plot is often created through conflict, a struggle between opposing forces.

Short Story Elements External Conflict- External Conflict- Between a character and an outside force, such as another character, nature, society or life Between a character and an outside force, such as another character, nature, society or life Internal Conflict- Internal Conflict- Takes place within the mind of a character who is torn between opposing feelings or between different courses of action. Takes place within the mind of a character who is torn between opposing feelings or between different courses of action.

Short Story Elements Most plots develop in 5 stages: Most plots develop in 5 stages: Exposition-introduction (very brief in a short story unlike in a novel) Exposition-introduction (very brief in a short story unlike in a novel) Rising Action- complications of the conflict occur (short stories establish this right away) Rising Action- complications of the conflict occur (short stories establish this right away) Climax-emotional high-point of the story (reached quickly in short stories) Climax-emotional high-point of the story (reached quickly in short stories)

Short Story Elements Falling Action- logical result of the climax (brief or often nonexistent in short stories) Falling Action- logical result of the climax (brief or often nonexistent in short stories) Resolution- presents the final outcome of the story (sometimes understated in short stories) Resolution- presents the final outcome of the story (sometimes understated in short stories)

Novel Plot Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Short Story Plot Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution