The Short Story Unit English De La Salle High School

What is Fiction and Non- Fiction? Fiction describes literature that is created from the imagination of the writer. Non-Fiction describes literature that is based on facts. There may be elements of opinion in the writing, such as is found in persuasive or argumentative writing.

The Short Story The Short Story is a type of fiction that can be read in a short period of time. It has five major elements or components that are an essential part of its structure.

The Five Elements… SETTING-the where and when of the action. PLOT-is the structure of events. CHARACTERS- individuals in the story. POINT OF VIEW viewpoint from which the story is being told. THEME-the idea running in the story, e.g., romance, comedy, suspense.

There are two types of character in a short story: ROUND CHARACTERS-these are usually the main characters in a story. They have many realistic traits/characteristics. They show how they have the ability to change an aspect of their personality. In a short story for KS3, they are often the person telling the story.

There are two types of character in a short story: FLAT CHARACTERS-they are usually a minor character in the story. Not much is known about the personality or traits of this character. A flat character does not change within the story. They are there to help the storyline along.

Point of View: FIRST PERSON-when a character describes the action as a participant in his or her own words. E.g., ‘I saw…’ THIRD PERSON-when a narrator outside the action describes events and characters. Almost like an outsider looking in. E.g., Hansel and Gretel and other fairytales.

Third Person Point of View OMNISCIENT-may describe the actions and thoughts of several characters. E.g., Hansel and Gretel and other fairytales. LIMITED-events are related through the eyes of one character. E.g., Danny the Champion of the World. We see everything from Danny’s point of view through the narrator.

The Plot Line-The Introduction It should introduce the main characters. It should let you know where the action is taking place; the setting. Try to have a catchy opening, make it exciting for your reader so they will want to read on. Build up a sense of atmosphere, by using plenty of descriptive language. NARRATIVE HOOK-the point at which the writer catches our attention, the first hint of a problem.

The Plot Thickens-Main Body What happens next? Having introduced your problem or the main plot of your story, rising action should add complications or problems to the story and so increase our interest. Reach the exciting part or climax of the story. Create atmosphere using feelings to help you convey this to the reader. Find a solution to the problem in the story. This is also known as resolution. How do things work out in the end?

What do Main Bodies do? Tells the story in more detail. We get to know characters a little better. We become more involved in the story. We want to know how the story will end-we need to make the story exciting and hold the reader’s interest. THE CLIMAX!!!

The Conclusion CLIMAX-is the point in the story when the reader knows how the problems are going to be resolved. It is the highest point of interest and a turning point in the action. DO NOT END YOUR STORY WITH ‘They lived happily ever after’ OR ‘And then I died/drowned/was killed’ OR ‘And then I woke up…’OR ‘to be continued…’ Bring the title back into the ending of your story by saying something like, ‘…from that day on I learned that everybody deserves a second chance’ OR ‘it really was all my fault.’

What do Conclusions do? Sum up our story and finish it off for the reader. It ties up any loose ends in the story as regards characters/plot. A TWIST is often a good way to finish off your story as it leaves the reader hanging on. REMEMBER NEVER END WITH …and then I woke up/and then I died/they lived happily ever after/to be continued…