1. Short Story Literary Elements and Devices
Here’s what we haven’t covered yet…

2. Good stories have a conflict.
Person vs. Person
Person vs. Nature
Person vs. Self
Person vs. Society
Person vs. Fate

3. Conflict can be external (between a character and an outside force) or internal (within a character).

4. The time and place of the story is the setting.
Details that describe:
Furniture
Scenery
Customs
Transportation
Clothing
Dialects
Weather
Time of day
Time of year

5. The setting often helps create a(n) mood or atmosphere
Mood: The feeling, atmosphere, or emotional quality that an author creates in a literary work; established through setting and descriptive language
Words to describe mood include:
Peaceful, ominous, hopeful, suspenseful, somber, comforting, etc.

6. Plot is the sequence of events in the story.
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Resolution
Exposition

7. During the exposition of the story, we are introduced to the characters, setting, and other background information.

8. The inciting incident is the point of the plot that begins the conflict. It is the event that catalyzes the protagonist to go into motion and to take action
The rising action is the buildup of events, twists, and turns leading to the climax.

9. The climax is particular point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension hits the highest point.
The turning point from which there is no going back
The highest point of suspense in the story

10. During the falling action, the story winds down.
During the resolution or dénouement, the conflict is resolved and the story usually has a conclusion.

11. The point of view is the perspective of the story.
“I was framed! I just wanted to borrow a cup of sugar!”
“That rotten wolf tried to eat us!!!!”

12. Omniscient: The narrator is aware of all information there is to know about the story’s events, characters, setting, and more.
Limited: The narrator can only convey the thoughts and feelings of one specific character. Sometimes the narrator doesn’t even convey these facts at all, and sticks with describing the character’s external behaviors rather than the character’s internal feelings.

13. An unreliable narrator is a narrator whose credibility has been seriously compromised.
A character’s unreliability might be obvious to the reader throughout, it might be revealed gradually, or it might come as a revelation that provides a major plot twist.

14. In writing, symbolism is the use of a word, a phrase, or a description, which represents a deeper meaning than the words themselves.
This kind of extension of meaning can transform the written word into a very powerful instrument.

15. Verisimilitude
Verisimilitude--Where the events in a story seem like they could really happen or be true.
(Here’s a trick: Very Similar to Real Life!!!)
Consider realistic situations & dialogue, historical events, relatable characters, etc. when deciding whether or not a story can exhibit verisimilitude.

16. The theme is the author’s central message or insight into life.
A theme can be
stated (told outright) or implied (revealed gradually).

17. Theme continued:
Don’t include character names or plot summary in your theme statements!

18. Theme formula:
Sometimes in (general situation), a person may/might/will (general description of behavior) because/for (explain)
Example from The Hunger Games: Sometimes in a difficult situation, a person might have to make self-sacrificing decisions for the well-being of others.

19. Theme practice:
Watch this clip from the film Elizabethtown and write a theme statement. Be prepared to discuss.