Short Story Unit Introduction Notes

What is a Short Story? Prose fiction (ordinary language) 7,000 – 10,000 words Can be read in one sitting

Differences between… Novel Complex plot Many emotions Short Story Simple plot Single emotion Covers shorter time span Fewer characters Novel Complex plot Many emotions Covers many years Many characters

What are some elements of a short story? Setting Characters Plot Conflict Point of View Theme Symbolism

A. Setting When and Where the story takes place Establishes the atmosphere of the story What are the requirements of Setting? Time Place General environment Mood and Tone

B. Types of Characters Protagonist – the main character who is trying to achieve a goal Antagonist – the character who causes problems in the story; the antagonist may be an obstacle rather than a person at times

C. Plot – The plan of action for the story, the sequence of events

Exposition – the beginning situation, introduces setting and characters. Rising Action – complications, problems, conflicts set up the story.

Climax - the highest emotional tension in the story; the “turning point.” Falling Action - occurs after the climax, bringing the story to a close.

conclusion of the story, working out the final details. Resolution – conclusion of the story, working out the final details. Turning Point/Climax Rising Action Falling Action Exposition Resolution

D. CONFLICT – any struggle between opposing forces Internal Conflict – mental struggle arising from opposing demands Character vs. Self (conscience) External Conflict – struggle between a literary character and an outside force Character vs. Character Character vs. Nature Character vs. Society Character vs. Fate

E. Point of View First-person – “I” Second-person – “You” Third-person – “He/She”

*** “Universal” Theme *** F. Theme The main idea of the story or the idea the author wants to put across to the reader. *** “Universal” Theme ***

The theme must be: Specific Universal, applies to anyone (Romeo and Juliet – theme of love and devotion) Important to the story Provide unity to the story

G. Symbolism – a concrete object stands for an abstract idea (something represents something other than itself. EX: the U.S. Flag)