Short Stories a literary prose piece, usually a narrative, which focuses sharply on one character or event; generally readable in a single sitting

When we discuss short stories, we usually talk about their elements.

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Character A person or animal that takes part in the action of the story We usually get to know the characters Through the author’s physical description Through their actions Through their words (dialogue) Through their inner thoughts Through what other characters say and think about them

Plot The sequence of events in a story; the action and problems (conflicts) that occur in a story Plot Outline Exposition- the background or introductory information the reader must have in order to understand the story Rising Action- all of the events that take place leading up to the climax Climax- the turning point. Here the story is turned in a different direction, toward the conclusion, which is the wrapping up of the story. Falling Action- the immediate reaction to the climax. Resolution or Denouement- the conclusion of the plot. All loose ends are tied up.

All plots involve conflict! Types of conflict Internal Person vs self (internal struggle concerning emotion and decision) External Person vs person (external struggle between two or more individuals) Person vs nature (external struggle between man and an element of nature)

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Setting The time and place of the action We get information about the setting from Sensory details (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) Figurative language (personification, similes, metaphors)

Point of view The vantage point from which a story is told Third person point of view- Called third person because narrator uses third person pronouns (he, she) to tell the story two kinds: limited and omniscient Third person limited: the narrator relates the inner thoughts and feelings of only one character, and everything is viewed from this character’s perspective Third person omniscient: the narrator knows and tells about what each character feels and thinks First person point of view- an “I” tells the story. Our perception of the other characters comes from this person’s view; the person telling the story participates in the action

Theme The central message, concern, or purpose of a story