Monday: Ten minute free write Use the photo as a writing prompt if you need to.

Elements of a Short Story Elements of a Short Story English 9

Elements of a Short Story Elements of a Short Story 1. Character 2. Setting 3. Plot 4. Point of View / Foreshadowing 5. Irony 6. Theme

1. Characters 1. Character Traits: are the qualities of a certain person, whether they are physical or emotional. You determine some traits by observing the way a character looks. You observe other traits by paying attention to the way the character behaves.

Some Examples Jesse had no idea how deep the river was. He just jumped. Trait: reckless Amanda had no idea why everyone else was laughing as she strolled around the room in mismatched shoes. Trait: clueless Susan jumped every time the door opened. Trait: jittery

1. Characters There are six terms we will use to define and describe characters. They are: 2. Protagonist: The main character(s) in the story. He/she always faces a conflict. 3. Antagonist: The character(s) or force that is in conflict with the protagonist. In some cases, this might not even be a living thing.

Protagonist = Main Character Some Examples: Can you list five other examples?

Antagonist = Protagonist’s conflict Some Examples: Can you list five other antagonists?

Thank You Ma’am Read “Thank You Ma’am” Crossroads 9 – Page 72 ◦ 1. What are five character traits of the woman? Of the boy? ◦ 2. Identify the protagonist and antagonist of the story. If you do not finish the questions in class, they can be taken home to complete. They must be done for the next day.

Entry Card Think back to yesterdays story, “Thank you Ma’am”. If you were in the woman’s position would you have helped the boy? Is it realistic that she had helped him?

1. Characters 4. Round: Fully developed characters who are complex and realistic. The reader is exposed to different sides of their personality, lifestyle, and interests. Clear and realistic character traits. 5. Flat: Characters who are less developed (often stereotypical) – they are usually minor characters and less realistic.

Round vs. Flat Is the woman in “Thank you Ma’am” an example of a round or flat character? Why?

1. Characters 6. Dynamic: A character who undergoes a change in personality. He/she is affected by the events, and it has changed his/her personality, behavior, or perspective on life. 7. Static: A character whose personality remains the same throughout the story. He/she is unchanged by the events that have happened.

Static vs. Dynamic Is the boy in “Thank you Ma’am” an example of a static or dynamic character? Why?

Weekly Assignment Writing a Character Sketch Read “Coffee, Snacks and Worms” and write a two paragraph character sketch on either the “protagonist” or the “antagonist” “Coffee, Snacks and Worms” is on page 87 of the CrossRoads book

Paragraphs

Paragraphs You must have a clear idea of what the paragraph is going to be about. This is because a paragraph is essentially a collection of sentences which all relate to one central topic. Without a definite idea of what the main topic is, your paragraph will lack focus and unity.

Topic Sentences What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about. GRAB THE READERS ATTENTION!

Two Parts Topic sentences are usually made of two parts. One part is the topic. The other part is the controlling idea. The controlling idea limits what you will say about the topic. Both parts are needed if you want to make a good topic sentence

Question Why would a writer want to limit what they will write about a topic? Why is it important to have one idea for one paragraph?

Review Review your character sketch from “Coffee, Snack and Worms”. Is there one main idea in each paragraph? Do you have good topic sentences?

Handout With a partner complete the topic sentence handout together.

Independent Reading Independent reading of your novel for fifteen minutes Write a one paragraph character sketch about a character in your novel. You will have the remaining time in class to work on this. If you do not complete it, finish it for homework.

Thursday - Entry Card Proof Read and edit your one paragraph character sketch from your independent novel.

Review We will be doing a quick review on character, paragraphs and, topic sentences.

In class assignment Compare the protagonist or antagonist from “Coffee, Snack and Worms” and “Thank You Ma’am” Hint: Use your character sketch to help you write your comparison.

Friday – Book Talk Ms. Smith will go first. Her book talk will be about “The Year Of The Flood” by Margaret Atwood.

Review and Assessment Review Assessment

Friday We will end Friday’s class with either a free write or independent reading.