Elements of a Short Story 9th Grade English Mrs. Rasinen

What is a short story? “People create stories create people; or rather stories create people create stories” (“Short Story” 2). Elements of a short story Plot Setting Characters Theme Narrator Voice

Plot Plot is the pattern of events in a work of literature. Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action Resolution

Conflict Conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces. Internal conflict Man vs. self External conflict Man vs. man Man vs. nature Man vs. society

Setting Setting includes where and when a story occurs. Elements of setting may include Location Weather Time period, time of year, time of day Culture of a specific time or place

Characters Characters are the subject of the story, the people, animals, and individuals about which a story is written. Protagonist - the main character of a story Antagonist – the character who opposes the protagonist Foil – the character who acts as a contrast to the protagonist

Theme A theme is the main idea or message of a literary work. A theme is NOT the subject of a work but the central idea or insight of a work. Stated theme Implied theme

Point of View The point of view is the perspective from which a story is told or the position of the narrator in relation to the story. A narrator is the person who tells the story. Points of view 1st person – narrator can reveal personal thoughts and feelings 3rd person objective – narrator reports what he/she observes 3rd person limited point of view – narrates from the mind of one character Omniscient point of view – able to narrate from the minds of all characters

Voice Voice conveys the writer’s or narrator’s personality. Voice may be conveyed through the distinctive use of language word choices Tone - an author’s attitude toward his or her subject or audience Mood - the emotional quality of a work

Characterization Direct characterization – the writer makes direct statement about who the character is and what the character is like Indirect characterization - the writer reveals information about a character and through that character's thoughts, words, and actions as well as through other characters’ thoughts and responses

Direct vs. Indirect Paragraph Pair 1: A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools. B. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.” http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/characterization.html

Direct vs. Indirect Paragraph Pair 2: A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try. B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it. http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/characterization.html

Methods of Characterization Author directly tells reader Speech Thoughts and feelings Effects on others Actions Looks

Words to Know. The following terms are important to short Words to Know The following terms are important to short stories as well as all other literary works. Voice Narrator 1st person point of view 3rd person point of view 3rd person limited point of view Omniscient point of view Tone Mood Irony Foreshadowing Symbol Plot Climax Suspense Setting Characters Protagonist Antagonist Foil Theme Stated theme Implied theme Conflict Internal conflict External conflict