Short Story Definitions

A Short Story is… A piece of prose (writing) which is less involved than a novel. It usually involves: One important person One important struggle (conflict) One important result.

It develops a single incident, in one locale (place), with a small group of characters and happens in a short period of time.

A. The Plot (the framework of the story) 1.The Introduction: a) to grab the reader’s interest b) to introduce the characters c) to introduce the setting d) gives a hint to the story

2. The Rising Action: the events that build up the story.

3. The Climax: the point at which we know how the story will end. It is the most exciting part.

4. The Conclusion: follows soon after the climax. Details can be explained here that couldn’t be explained before the climax or suspense would be ruined.

Assignment #1 Read the short story “Catch” found on page 51 of your Sightlines 8 anthology. When you are finished reading the story write down what happened in each of the 4 sections of the plot (a sheet is provided).

B. Characters The action centres around one principle character who is in conflict. The author develops his characters in 3 ways: 1.By the author’s comments. 2.By the character’s own actions and words. 3.By the comments of other characters in the story.

C. Conflict A clash of opposing forces. 1.Character vs. character 2.Character vs. environment 3.Character vs. himself/herself

D. Dialogue Actual conversations between characters. The purpose is to: 1.Create interest 2.Develop the plot 3.Reveal characters

E. Protagonist The main character (most important) in the story.

F. Antagonist The major character (or thing) in opposition to the protagonist.

Assignment #2 Read the story “The Street That Got Mislaid” on page 4. After reading answer the following questions in COMPLETE sentences. 1.Who is the protagonist of this story? 2.The author developed this character in many ways. What did we find out about the character through the author’s comments? Through his own actions and words? Through the comments of other characters in the story? 3.What type of conflict is found in this short story? Explain the conflict. 4.Between what 2 characters is dialogue used? What do we find out through their dialogue?

G. Suspense: Uncertainty as to the outcome of the story.

H. Irony A hint of sarcasm. A slight twist of what was expected.

I. Point of View The attitude and location of the author or narrator towards the characters and conflicts (the perspective). a)First Person: a main character presents a personal account of the episode (using “I” and “we”). b)Third Person: we look at it like we’re on the outside looking in (using “he”, “she” and “it”) Limited omniscient (only know thoughts and feelings of a single character). Omniscient (author knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters).

J. Theme The central idea behind the story (not a moral). Examples: friendship, death, revenge, gangs, war, action, betrayal, etc.

Assignment #3 Read the story “A Wish Named Arnold” on page 224. Answer the following questions: 1.Explain where you encounter suspense in the story (more than one place). 2.Irony is portrayed in this story. What is ironic? 3.What point of view is this story written from? 4.There are three themes in this short story. Name them. 5.In a paragraph (about 1/3 of the page) explain what you would wish for, if you had ONE wish. Give your reasons for choosing this wish and explain how it would change your life. You cannot wish for more wishes!

K. Mood The emotional atmosphere of the story. For example: dark and gloomy, scary, light hearted, etc.

L. Foreshadowing A hint that something will happen, which later on actually does happen.

M. Flashback A quick review of facts or past events. For example: a character may daydream during which many facts are revealed to us, or summarized in a short space.

N. Narrator A story is usually told by 1 person. That one person could be: A character The author An uninvolved witness to the incident

O. Setting The time and place in which the story occurs.

P. Symbolism A person, object, or act which stands for, or suggests, something greater or deeper. The flag symbolizes loyalty The cross symbolizes the Christian religion The dove symbolizes peace/love

Assignment #4 Before you read… look up the word veldt in the dictionary and write down the meaning. Read the short story “The Veldt” on page 248 of your Sightlines 8 anthology. When you are finished answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES!

1.Describe the setting of the story (don’t forget location and time. If it doesn’t say directly, you can make an estimate using details from the story. 2.What is the mood of this story? Things to keep in mind… is it sad? Happy? Tragic? Pathetic? Suspenseful? Etc.? 3.The author used foreshadowing often in this short story. Write down 3 examples. 4.Who is the narrator of the story? 5.What is the author’s message? (hint: something about parents’ roles in their children’s lives)