Short Story Unit “A room without books is like a body without a soul” -Cicero

Before we begin talking specifically about short stories, let us first review the attributes of fiction… Fiction is writing that comes from a writer’s imagination. It can be inspired by actual events or completely made up. Usually a work of fiction is created through the use of vivid details that we recognize or that move us in some way.

Depending on its length, a work of fiction may be classified as a short story or as a novel. Both novels and short stories contain the four main elements of plot, character, setting, and theme. However, a short story usually revolves around one single idea and is short enough to be read in one sitting, while a novel involves a more complicated plot and is a longer piece of work.

Plot Definition: A series of related events in a short story. The plot is the writer’s plan for what happens, when it happens, and to whom it happens.

A plot is usually built around a central conflict – a struggle between two opposing forces. Plot complications are events or problems that arise and make it more difficult to resolve the conflict. Although the development of every plot is different, most plots develop in five stages…

Exposition Provides background for the story. Characters are introduced and the setting is described. The reader also learns what the conflict of the story is.

Rising Action Events that occur before the climax that add suspense to the plot.

Climax The highest point of interest in the story. It is the turning point, when the action reaches a peak and the outcome of the conflict is decided.

Falling Action Occurs after the climax. The winding down of the story. Loose ends are tied up to help bring the story to a close.

Resolution The conclusion of the story.

Conflict, continued… Let’s review the definition of conflict… Conflict: A struggle between two opposing forces Two types of conflict exist: External Conflict: conflict that occurs outside the character in the form of another character, a physical obstacle, nature, or society. Internal Conflict: conflict that involves a character’s struggle within him or herself.

Character The people, animals, or imaginary creatures that take part in the action of the story.

Characters have motives and traits. Motives are a character’s emotions, desires, or needs that prompt action (make the character do something). Traits are more permanent qualities in a character’s personality, such as gentleness or boldness. Both cause a character to act or react to situations and other characters.

Character continued… Protagonist: the main character or hero in a story, usually the one with whom the audience identifies with. Antagonist: the villain, or force working against the protagonist in a story. An antagonist can be another character, society, a force of nature, or even a force within the main character.

Setting The time and place in which the action of the story happens.

Setting continued… A story may be set in a real or an imaginary place. The events may occur in the past, the present, or the future. Setting also includes the customs and culture of the place and time. A writer’s vivid description helps readers picture the setting. Setting can often play a role in the plot and the development of character. Setting can also affect the mood of the story— the overall emotional feeling that details the author uses creates.

Theme The meaning, moral, or message about life that is revealed through the story

Theme continued… Most themes are not stated in the story but are revealed by one or more of the following: 1. The title of the story 2. Important phrases and statements about ideas like courage and freedom 3. The ways the characters change and the lessons they learn about life.

Key Statement An important statement about ideas like courage and freedom

Point of View Every story is told from a particular point of view or perspective.

First-Person Point of View When a story is told from the first- person point of view, the narrator is a character in the story and uses first-person pronouns such as I, me, we, and us.

Third-Person Point of View In a story told from a third-person point of view, the narrator is not a character; he or she uses third- person pronouns such as he, she, it, they, and them.

Third-Person Omniscient Third-person omniscient (all- knowing) point of view allows the narrator to relate the thoughts and feelings of several, if not all, of the story’s characters.

Third-Person Limited Point of View If the events are related from a third-person limited point of view, the narrator tells us what one character thinks, feels, and observes.

Point of View Challenge What is the point of view of three of the stories we have read in our short story unit? Choose 1 st person, 3 rd person limited, or 3 rd person omniscient “Rikki-tikki Tavi” pg. 123 “Seventh Grade” pg. 20 “The Scholarship Jacket”pg. 278