Unit Two: Literary Short Stories The Real Story of The Three Little Pigs

Protagonist  The main character, sometimes called the hero, who is most involved in the story.  Example: Who are the protagonists in the traditional story of The Three Little Pigs?  In the traditional story of The Three Little Pigs, the pigs are the protagonist because they are the main characters.

Antagonist  the character who has a conflict with, or acts against the protagonist.  Example: In the traditional story of The Three Little Pigs, which character has a conflict with, and acts against the protagonists (the pigs), therefore making them the antagonist?  In the traditional story of The Three Little Pigs, the wolf is the considered the antagonist because, be has a conflict with the pigs.

Irony  A situation where what happens is the opposite of what is expected (in easier terms… when you expect one thing but get another)  There are 3 types of irony:  Verbal Irony: a character says the opposite of what he or she means (similar to sarcasm)  Situational Irony: what actually happens is the opposite of what the character or reader expects  Dramatic Irony: the reader knows something the character doesn’t

Irony Examples  Give at least two examples (they do not have to be from the story) for each of the types of irony.  Verbal Irony:  1.  2.  Situational Irony:  1.  2.  Dramatic Irony:  1.  2.

Now… Let’s Apply It To The Text

Identifying/Understanding Protagonist  Who is the protagonist in The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs? How do we know this? (Hint: “Just because” is not the answer).  Answer: The protagonist in The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs is A. Wolf. We know that A. Wolf is the protagonist through….

Understanding/Identifying Antagonist  The wolf identifies the three pigs and the press as his antagonists. (Quick check: Who is an antagonist?) What are they accused of doing that supports his claim? (Give quotes and explain how the quotes show they are the antagonist).  Answer: The pigs are antagonists because… (give a quote that proves what you are saying). The press are antagonists because… (give a quote that proves what you are saying).

Understanding/Identifying Irony  What makes the The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs ironic? Why do you think that an author would include such in a story (what effect did the irony have on the story?)?  Answers: The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs is ironic because… The author might include irony in the story because…

Understanding/Identifying Irony  Identify at least one incident in the story where you as the reader expected one thing and got another. Be sure to state what you expected to read/happen, and what really occurred.  Answer: The one incident in the story where I as the reader expected one thing and got another was when(…). I expected (…), but got (…).

Unit Two: Literary Short Stories Part 2

Understanding Plot  The plot is the sequence, or order, of events in a story. Besides the character, the plot is the “meat” or heart of the story.  Story plots include the following:  Exposition  Rising Action  Climax  Falling Action  Denouement/Resolution

Exposition  The opening part of the story that usually introduces the setting, the characters, the basic situation, and the conflict

Rising Action  The part of the story where the author develops the conflict and introduces complications, or problems, that make the conflict more difficult (and usually more exciting!)

Climax  The point in the story when the action and the conflict have the most suspense, or excitement and interest.

Falling Action  The part of the story that include events after the climax that help the protagonist solve the central conflict.

Denouement/Resolution  The solution or end of the conflict; usually comes at or near the end of the story

Now… Let’s Apply It To The Text Take Out Your Plot Handout!