1. Short Story Elements Language Arts 9

2. Plot The storyline

3. Conflict CONFLICT is the struggle between opposing forces. good vs. bad light vs. dark hero vs. villain coke vs. pepsi

4. Types of Conflict: Internal: Human vs. him/herselfstruggle occurs within the mind External: struggle against outside force Human vs. humanconflict between characters (old man vs. cat) Human vs. naturestruggle against nature (ex: time, weather, distance) Human vs. supernatural  struggle against supernatural forces (ex: ghosts, magic, etc.) *HUMAN is a fluid word here. It could mean non-human characters as well, depending on the story.

5. Characters: Protagonist Protagonist: the main character; the hero

6. Characters: Antagonist Antagonist: opposes (is against) the protagonist; the villain

7. Characters: Round Round characters have a complex personality.

8. Characters: Flat Flat characters have one kind of personality trait/characteristic

9. Characters: Dynamic Dynamic characters change over time. These characters learn, grow, and adapt.

10. Characters: Static Static characters do not change over time. These characters’ personalities mostly stay the same.

11. Characters: Stock Stock characters are stereotypes. Ex: Mad scientist Faithful sidekick Evil stepmother Grouchy old neighbor Blond cheerleader

12. Setting The setting is where and when a story takes place. Settings can change throughout the plot of a story, and often, each unique setting has its own mood and tone. Ex: PlaceTimeMood/other factors Egypt2000 BCESerious; difficult living conditions; little technology Texas1962Tense; race relations “Anytown” USACurrent day, midnight, stormy Dark tone; something “bad” might happen High school cafeteria lunchUpbeat; lots of noise; friendly; possible bullying

13. Setting: Mood, Tone, and Place Mood: Atmosphere created by author; evokes certain emotions Ex: Hero riding off into the sunset with “the girl” – satisfaction, completion, ease, calmness, positivity Tone: Writer’s attitude about subject or audience Ex: Villains appear in black leather and have sharp features – the author wants to use the symbolism of the darkness of clothing to represent personality (sharp features = severity) Place: Where and when the story takes place Sets the stage for the rest of the plot. Can be considered a major part of the plot. Ex: How would “Family Guy” be different if they all had southern accents and lived in the 80’s?

14. Theme The big idea or lesson in a story Ask yourself, “What is the story ABOUT?” Ask yourself, “What is the LESSON of the story?” Ask yourself, “Is there a MORAL to the story? Ex: love, friendship, death, growing up, war, crime, etc.

15. Finding Theme There are no RULES for finding the theme of a litereary work. But there are some general tips for finding “meaning in the mess” Theme