Elements of Short Stories

Short Story A genre of literature A brief work of fiction Short story titles should be capitalized correctly (first word, last words, & important words in the middle) Should be put in quotations

Elements of Short Stories Characters Conflict Plot Setting Point of View Theme

Characters People or animals in a story Direct Characterization –The author describes a character –Directly tells reader something about him/her Indirect Characterization –Author reveals the character through speech and actions

Conflict Problem(s) the characters face External –Struggle between a character and an outside force Internal –Takes place within a character’s mind

Plot The sequence of events Exposition Rising Action (introduces conflict & builds suspense, often through foreshadowing) Climax Falling Action Resolution

Setting Time & place of the action, including –Historical period –Physical location –Season of year/time of day –Climate/weather –Culture & social systems & traditions

Point of View The perspective from which a short story is told, or narrated Affects the kinds of information readers receive

Point of View (POV) First-Person POV: the narrator is a character in the story; readers learn only what that character knows, thinks, or feels Third-Person POV: the narrator is not a character but a voice outside the story; may be omniscient or limited –3 rd Person Omniscient: narrator relates the inner thoughts and feelings of all characters –3 rd Person Limited: narrator reveals the thoughts and feelings of only one character

POV Example: Points of View First Person I could hear the footsteps, but I couldn’t see a thing. Where was the light switch? Third Person Ted heard someone approaching but in the darkness, he had no idea it was a burglar.

Theme The interaction of key story elements reveals the theme of a story. In the best short stories, story elements interact to convey a meaningful theme, or message about life or human nature.

Theme A central message or insight Stated themes are expressed directly. Implied themes are suggested by the author. Universal themes recur in different cultures and time periods Usually general statements about life (see anchor chart)

Theme The theme is the lesson or message that the writer wants to get across in his or her story. Usually theme is a statement about life or the way the world works. People apply these lessons or ideas to their own lives.

Theme Usually NOT directly stated It develops over the course of the story through characters, conflict, and plot. Readers must infer the theme by analyzing clues and thinking about how they add up to a central message.

How do I find the theme in a story? To find the theme, ask yourself, What lesson did the main character in the story learn or fail to learn? Other questions to ask yourself:  What is the moral of the story?  What lesson is the author trying to teach?  Which idea in the story can relate to everyday life?

Common Themes The more you read, the more you will notice that some themes are used again and again. Here are some common themes:  Too much pride can destroy a person  Crime does not pay  Treat others the way you want to be treated  Going through hard times can make a person stronger  Love conquers all

Characters & Theme Sometimes characters actions tell us about the theme. Notice words, thoughts, and actions Characters motivations may contribute to theme. Dialogue (conversation) can help determine theme.

Narrator’s ObservationsTheme Dee grinned at me as she left the stage. My shy, timid friend was standing tall and proud. A friend can help you overcome fears and develop your potential. Dialogue “I made it!” Dee shouted to Carla in the hall. “Thanks for talking me into trying out for the play!”

Conflict & Theme External ConflictPossible Theme Character vs. a force of nature Humans should not underestimate the power of nature Character vs. societyIndividuals must carve out their own paths in life.

Conflict & Theme Internal ConflictPossible Theme Character vs. his or her fears People may be stronger than they realize. Character facing a difficult decision People should trust their instincts.

Plot & Theme Exposition & Rising Action: develop the focus of the story Climax (turning point): often reveals a shift that points to an underlying message Resolution: as the story winds down, the message, or theme, becomes clearer

Sequence of Events Chronological Order- order in which events happen Flashback-a scene from the past (interruption in the plot to tell about something that previously happened) Foreshadowing-clues that hint at events to come

P.O.V. & Theme The narrator’s POV is important because readers know only what the narrator knows or chooses to tell us. Use POV to determine theme by considering what message the narrator seems to think is important.

Setting & Theme The time and place can affect everything from the characters’ motivations to the central conflict. Therefore, it could have a strong influence on a story’s message, or theme.

Symbols & Theme Symbol-a person, place, or object that represents something else Ex. a dove is often a symbol for peace Ex. the bald eagle is a symbol for America Author’s use symbols to highlight or emphasize key concepts. Pay attention to objects that seem to represent key ideas. Understanding symbols can help you determine a story’s theme.

Theme Setting How does the setting influence the plot & characters? Point of View How does the narrator’s perspective shape events? Character What is significant about a character’s words and actions? Symbols Do any story elements represent ideas greater than themselves? Plot What message is suggested by the story’s resolution? Conflict How does the main Character change as a result of the conflict?

Close Read: Analyzing Story Elements Close Read: “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner Pg