Introduction to Short Story Elements

What are the 6 Elements of a Short Story? Character Setting Plot Conflict Theme Narrative Point of View

Setting Definition Setting is the “when” and “where” that a story takes place.

Purpose of Setting: Setting is an important story element because it can: 1) Set the direction of a story (reveal type) 2) Shape/ evoke an emotional response by the reader 3) Establish imagery (mental picture) 4) Enhance themes (lessons)

Example 1: How does this setting set the direction of the story? Can you tell what type of story this would be and why?

Example 2: Read the following passage from Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road, while paying careful attention to the setting... How does the setting described in this passage shape/ evoke an emotional response? What is the mood of this story?

The Road Pg. 1 When he got back the boy was still asleep. He pulled the blue plastic tarp off of him and folded it and carried it out to the grocery cart and packed it and came back with their plates and some cornmeal cakes in a plastic bag and a plastic bottle of syrup. He spread the small tarp they used for a table on the ground and laid everything out and he took the pistol from his belt and laid it on the cloth and then he just sat watching the boy sleep. He'd pulled away his mask in the night and it was buried somewhere in the blankets. He watched the boy and he looked out through the trees toward the road. This was not a safe place. They could be seen from the road now it was day. The boy turned in the blankets. Then he opened his eyes. Hi, Papa, he said. I'm right here. I know. An hour later they were on the road. He pushed the cart and both he and the boy carried knapsacks. In the knapsacks were essential things. In case they had to abandon the cart and make a run for it. Clamped to the handle of the cart was a chrome motorcycle mirror that he used to watch the road behind them. He shifted the pack higher on his shoulders and looked out over the wasted country.

Example 3: You won't see the Once-ler. Don't knock on his door. How does the following setting help establish imagery? What do you picture in your mind while reading this? You won't see the Once-ler. Don't knock on his door. He stays in his Lerkim on top of his store. He lurks in his Lerkim, cold under the roof, where he makes his own clothes out of miff-muffered moof. And on special dank midnights in August, he peeks out of the shutters and sometimes he speaks and tells how the Lorax was lifted away.

Did you picture something like this? The Lorax by Dr. Seuss Pg. 4

Example 4: Settings enhance topics and themes. When the action of a story takes place in a particular setting, the action can reflect the values systems and beliefs of the characters. The theme of a story is then developed and enhanced through the setting.

What could we learn? If some of the topics from this story were: -Money and luxury What could the theme be? What might we learn from this story?

What could the theme be connected to this setting?

Setting Terms to Know: Exposition (Introduction): the first part of a plot. A setting needs to be described during the exposition to give the audience a context for the events to follow. *A setting may change throughout the plot.

Setting Terms to Know: http://www.calgaryacademy.com/ICT/ss/short story.html Sensory Details: These are the details that appeal to any of our 5 senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) that help to develop a setting. The more senses that are described, the more in-depth the setting will be.

Setting Terms to Know: Depending on the sensory details described, a setting may be: Surreal: A made up setting that is not based on a realistic place or time. Realistic: A setting based on a believable and realistic place or time.

Let’s read… The Ninny by Anton Chekov Pay close attention to the setting! (When and where)