Story Elements

The people or animals in the story. Characters The people or animals in the story. They can be real or imaginary

Characters Major/Central Character Characters that are vital to the development and resolution of the conflict. Plots and resolution of the conflict revolves around these characters. Minor Characters Serve to compliment the main characters and help move the plot forwards.

The protagonist the central person in the story, and is often referred to as the story’s main character. He/she is faced with conflict that must be resolved. The antagonist is the character(s) that represent the opposition against which the protagonist must contend – an obstacle the protagonist must overcome. The anti-hero is a major character, usually the protagonist, who lacks conventional nobility of mind and who struggles for values not deemed usually universally admirable.

dynamic static round flat CHARACTER TYPES dynamic static round flat

DYNAMIC CHARACTERS Dynamic a person who changes over time usually as a result of resolving a central conflict or facing a major crisis. Tend to be central characters Ex: Cinderella

STATIC CHARACTERS Static character does not change over time His/her personality does not transform or evolve Ex. Wicked Stepmother

ROUND CHARACTERS Round Three-dimensional - reveals physical, mental, and emotional expressions Complex personality Ex: Cinderella

FLAT CHARACTERS Flat This literary personality is notable for one kind of personality, trait, or characteristic. Opposite of a round character Ex. footman

The time and place of the story is the setting.

Setting Place: Mrs. Butler’s classroom “Another Day at MHS” Time: 2016-17 school year

The plot is a sequence of events that happen in a story. Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Climax Rising Action Falling Action Resolution Exposition The climax is the point of greatest interest and emotional involvement. Rising Action Falling Action The events and complications that lead to an important and dramatic point. The events that develop from the climax and lead to the conclusion. Resolution Exposition An exposition is an introduction of characters, setting, and situations of plot. The resolution is the final outcome of the conflict.

Conflict Conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces. It drives the action of the story There is no story without a conflict. External- struggle with another character, force of nature , or physical obstacle Internal- character struggles with his/her own feelings, actions, values, or opinions. Ex: Your friend asks to copy your homework.

Types of External Conflict 1. Person vs. Person – any physical or emotional conflict with another person Ex: Mother and daughter disagree about how to dress for a dance 2. Person vs. Nature- any weather condition or force of nature Ex: Surviving if lost in the wilderness

3. Person vs. Group: a conflict with two or more people Ex: Juliet vs. Capulets 4. Group vs. Group- a struggle that arises between groups- including values and customs Ex: Mandeville vs. Fountainebleau

Types of Internal Conflict 1. Person vs. Self – any conflict within one’s self (emotional, mental) Ex: Struggling to decide whether or not to give someone your homework

The point of view is the perspective of the story. “I was framed! I just wanted to borrow a cup of sugar!” “That rotten wolf tried to eat us!!!!”

1st person- the narrator is a character in the story. 3rd person- the narrator is outside of the story: not one of the characters. 3rd person omniscient- all-knowing; the narrator sees into the minds of all of the characters. 3rd person limited – narrator only knows thoughts and feelings of one character.

The tone is the author’s attitude toward a character, subject, or audience. happy angry sad hopeless comical

Mood: the feeling or atmosphere that the writer creates for the reader (the way the story makes YOU feel). The author’s tone sets the reader’s mood.

Dialogue: the written conversation between two or more characters.

The theme of a story is the author’s message or lesson learned The theme of a story is the author’s message or lesson learned. Ex: love conquers all

Characterization

Definitions Characterization is the process by which the author reveals the personality of the characters. There are two types of characterization: direct and indirect.

Direct Characterization Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.” The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is quiet.

Indirect Characterization Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character. There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization: speech, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, and looks. (STEAL)

Indirect Characterization Physical Appearance: What does the character look like? How does the character dress? Example: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face. This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.

Indirect Characterization Speech- What does the character say? How does the character speak? Example: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!” This shows us the character is upbeat and happy.

Indirect Characterization Thoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings? Example: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside! This shows us the character is not happy about the situation.

Indirect Characterization Effect on Others- What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Example: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert. This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others.

Indirect Characterization Actions- What does the character do? How does the character behave? Example: The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage. This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety.

The Difference Remember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is TELLING v. SHOWING! Indirect characterizations are like clues about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author gives us the information we need to know!

Elements of a Short Story The End conclusion point of view theme tone characters rising action climax conflict setting falling action