Introduction to short stories Miss O Reilly Class 1 Byrne Date: 05/01/15

Learning objectives The pupils display their knowledge already of short stories by filling out a mind map and participating in a class discussion. The students will convey their understanding of a Youtube video about short stories by completing a worksheet. The students will show their knowledge and understanding of the elements of short stories by answering higher and lower order questions.

What is a short story?

Short stories Short stories are similar to food dishes. They need the best ingredients for you to enjoy the delicious taste!

Why do we write stories? Entertainment. Imagination. To pass on information. To convey feelings/emotions.

Elements of a short story 1. Theme 2. Setting 3. Characters and characterization 4. Point of view 5. Plot

Plot diagram

Example of a plot: Cinderella

For example: Cinderella

Theme The main idea of a short story/novel. For example: Theme of ‘Cinderella’ is good conquers evil.

Setting Tells the reader where and when the story takes place. For example: Setting in ‘Cinderella’ is mostly the home that she shares with her stepmother and stepsisters.

Characters The people in a short/novel. For example: Characters in ‘Cinderella’. Some of the characters in ‘Cinderella’, the evil stepmother Lady Tremaine, Fairy godmother, Prince Charming and the evil stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella Tremaine.

Characterization The description of the personalities of the characters in the short story/novel and the way in which the a author reveals their personalities.

Point of view The story teller from whose point of view the story is being told, the narrator. 1st person: Author is part of the story ‘I was at home and I watched my favourite team Liverpool on television’. 3rd person (objective): Author is an observer who cannot get in people’s heads ‘She took her iphone and threw it at him’. 3rd person (omniscient): Author is observer who knows what one or more characters is thinking ‘I will never live this down’, thought David, as he walked home.

Plot The order of events in a story. The plot includes: 1. Rising action: The action in the story leading to the climax. 2. Conflict: The struggles or problems between different people. 3. Climax: The point of crisis in the plot. It may be the reader’s point of highest interest. 4. Falling action: The action in the story after the climax is revealed. 5. Resolution: The part of the plot that reveals the final outcome.

Types of conflict Man versus Man Man versus Nature Man versus Society Man versus Supernatural being Man versus himself

Remember THE PLOT DIAGRAM