Short Story Notes

Plot is the pattern or sequence of events Plot is the pattern or sequence of events. This is the framework of the story; the arrangement of related events that make the story hang together. The plot has 5 parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution (or dénouement).

Exposition: the introduction of setting, characters, and basic situation. This basic situation usually leads to some kind of complication. • This is the introduction of a central conflict.

Rising Action: conflict increases and reader learns more details about the characters & the situation.  Climax: the most intense, exciting, or important part; the highest point of interest or suspense.

Falling Action: the conflict decreases, details become more understood, and the characters / situation moves toward some kind of resolution. Resolution: the conflict is somehow resolved.

Characters: the people / animals in the narrative Protagonist: the main character. This is usually the character whom the reader relates to. Antagonist: character or force opposed to the main character.

Conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces Conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces. The conflict can occur between two characters, between a character and his/her environment, or between a character and his or her conscience. External conflict: a character struggles with his/her environment or another character. Internal conflict: a character struggles with his/her conscience.

Side Kick Foil- a minor character who has a trait that is the opposite of the protagonist or antagonist Compliment- a minor character who has a trait that is the same as the protagonist or antagonist

What type of sidekick? Why

Types of Characters: 1. Static: doesn't change. 2. Dynamic: undergoes change. 3. Flat: only one or two characteristics, like a photo. 4. Round: life-like, has many characteristics, three-dimensional. 5. Stock: easily recognizable character (evil villain).

What Type of character is Darth Vader? Why?

What Type of character? Why?

What Type of character? Why?

What Type of character? Why?

What Type of Character is the witch?

What type of character is Marge?

What type of characters are Cinderella’s sisters?

Characterization: the revelation of human nature; how personalities are revealed. A. Direct Characterization: the story tells the reader what the character is like. B. Indirect Characterization: the reader has to interpret information from the story

Indirect Characterization: • Physical Description: the character’s appearance • Thoughts: this is an advantage over real life • Feelings: how the character feels • Actions: what the character does • Reactions: how other characters feel about the person; revealed through their thoughts, words and actions. • Speech: what the person says & tone of voice

example: Holden in Catcher in the Rye Point of View: the position from which the story is told; the relationship of the narrator to the story. First Person: one of the characters uses “I”; character has restricted knowledge and experience; the reader only knows what this person observes and hears; the reader needs to question the reliability of information. example: Holden in Catcher in the Rye

Third Person Limited: the narrator refers to characters as “he” or “she”; the narrator is not a character in the story, but the narrator is not necessarily the writer; the narrator reveals the thoughts and observations of one character. Third Person Omniscient: the narrator refers to characters as “he” or “she”; the narrator is not a character in the story; the narrator has unrestricted knowledge of all events and characters

Setting: the time, place, and culture in which the story takes place. • Helps create atmosphere or mood. • Lends believability so plot can unfold smoothly; writer must select appropriate details and images. • If characters battle against nature, the setting of the story can also provide conflict.

Theme: the main idea or underlying meaning; often reveals something about human nature or society.