1. Short Stories A definition and explanation Kuczek-GHS-English II-2011

2. What is the difference?  Short stories are shorter in length and therefore have different obstacles they need to confront  Due to their length short stories Limit the Number of Characters Limit the Number of Characters Limit the Range of Settings Limit the Range of Settings Limit the Scope and Action Limit the Scope and Action

3. Definition  A short story can simply be defined as a work of literature that is intended to be read at one sitting.

4. Key Elements Plot- The sequence of events Conflict- A problem or struggle Setting- Time and place of the action

5. Plot

6. Plot  Exposition Background information: Background information: Example- Finding Nemo: We see the reason that Nemo’s father is over protective and what happened to his mother.Example- Finding Nemo: We see the reason that Nemo’s father is over protective and what happened to his mother. The information contains the following but is not limited to- Introduction of characters, description of setting, and showing the conflict.The information contains the following but is not limited to- Introduction of characters, description of setting, and showing the conflict.

7. Plot  Initial Incident This is the starting point of the story. Past this point there is no return. This is the starting point of the story. Past this point there is no return. Example: This is the point where Nemo goes to touch “the butt”. Once he does this it sets a chain of events in motion. Example: This is the point where Nemo goes to touch “the butt”. Once he does this it sets a chain of events in motion.

8. Plot  Rising Action This is the meat of the story. This is the meat of the story. This is where the majority of the events take place. This is where the majority of the events take place. Example: This is where Nemo is in the fish tank and his father is searching for him. Example: This is where Nemo is in the fish tank and his father is searching for him.

9. Plot  Climax The high point of the story. The high point of the story. This is the point where you are sitting on the edge of your seat! This is the point where you are sitting on the edge of your seat! Example: Nemo tries to convince his Dad to swim towards the bottom of the net. This is the point where his Dad must come to terms with his conflict! Example: Nemo tries to convince his Dad to swim towards the bottom of the net. This is the point where his Dad must come to terms with his conflict!

10. Plot  Falling Action These are the events that end in solving the stories problem. These are the events that end in solving the stories problem. These are the events that lead to the resolution. These are the events that lead to the resolution. Example: Nemo and his father discuss what happened while they were apart. Example: Nemo and his father discuss what happened while they were apart.

11. Plot  Resolution This is where all problems are wrapped up in a perfect little bow! This is where all problems are wrapped up in a perfect little bow! Events and problems are understood and solved. Events and problems are understood and solved. Example: Nemo’s Dad realizes that though he has physical handicaps that he is capable and deserves to be treated with respect. Example: Nemo’s Dad realizes that though he has physical handicaps that he is capable and deserves to be treated with respect.

12. Conflict  Most plots center around a conflict  A conflict is defined as a problem or struggle.  Example: Nemo struggles to be independent while his father attempts protect him from the real world.

13. Conflict  There are 2 main types of conflicts Internal Conflict- The struggle within a character Internal Conflict- The struggle within a character Nemo’s internal conflict is that he believes he is not capable and can’t do things due to his disability.Nemo’s internal conflict is that he believes he is not capable and can’t do things due to his disability. External Conflict- A struggle between 2 characters, between one person and a group or against nature/forces External Conflict- A struggle between 2 characters, between one person and a group or against nature/forces Nemo has a conflict with being confined in a fish tank.Nemo has a conflict with being confined in a fish tank.

14. Setting  Setting is defined as the time and place of the story.  Settings can be in any time period and may change time periods through the story.  They can occur at different times of day or different seasons

15. Setting  The place of a story can change through out the piece.  The setting can refer to geographical location or the location within a social class.  Setting is not limited to physical location.

16. Reading Assignment  Now that you better understand the components of a short story we will move onto A Trip to Grandmother’s  Pay special attention to the conflict within the story!