A work of narrative prose fiction.
Setting: Refers to a time, place and atmosphere; where it’s happening and when. The short story usually takes place in one location and the time covered is normally short (sometimes only a few minutes or hours in a day)
What should I consider when it comes to setting? Weather Location Time of day Year/Date
Character: There are generally only one or a few main characters in a short story and each plays an important part. The main character in a short story is called the PROTAGONIST and the character (or force) who presents an obstacle for the protagonist is called the ANTAGONIST.
Plot: This is a sequence of events in a story as arranged by the author. This includes: Introduction/Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action/Resolution
Introduction: We are acquainted with the setting, main characters, and the initiating incident or conflict. A hook is really important here. Hook the reader’s attention by opening with a shocking line, description or bit of dialogue. Avoid the generic, “Once upon a time…” or, “Once, there was this guy…”
Take out a sheet of paper and write 3 weak leads (hooks) and 3 strong leads to a short story. Example of weak lead: “One day Billy got up and went to his dresser to get his clothes…” Example of strong lead: “Jason lay on the cold tiled floor, blood surrounding him, waiting for the others to return…” * Share your hooks with the class!
Rising Action: consists of a series of events which build up to the climax. This includes the CONFLICT (the opposition of forces) which culminates in the climax. The conflict can be internal or external.
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Climax: Highest point of interest, emotion and/or tension; turning point of story. Falling Action/ Resolution: plot comes to a final resolution or denouement; loose ends are tied up and outstanding questions are answered
Theme: The basis idea that inspired the work; the truth about human life that the author wishes to reveal, explore, or present. The short story is normally built around one main theme although minor themes may be present.
Why do some stories truly effect us while others leave you with the feeling of, “What was the point?” To make a short story effective, keep the following in mind: 1. Have a clear theme This means: what is the underlying message or statement behind the words? Get this right and your story will have some resonance in the minds of your readers.
2. An effective story covers a very short time span (a day, hours, minutes, an event, etc). It should be one single event that proves pivotal in the life of the character, and that even illustrates the theme.
3. Don’t have too many characters! Each new character will bring a new dimension to the story, and for an effective short story too many diverse dimensions (or directions) will dilute the theme.
4. Make every word count! There is no room for unnecessary expansion in a short story. If each word is not working towards getting your message/theme across, delete it.
5. Focus The best stories are ones that follow a narrow subject line. What is the point of your story? The point is the theme. It’s tempting to digress, but in a ‘short’ you have to follow the straight and narrow otherwise you end up with either a novel beginning or a hodgepodge of ideas that add up to nothing.
6. Do not fall into the, “and then….and then…and then…” TRAP!!! Remember, use different transitions to tell your story: “Later that day…”, “Hours passed…”, “Moments later…”, etc.
Before writing your own short story, consider the following: 1. What is my theme? 2. What is the plot? (How will I get my theme across?) Don’t forget: Introduction/Rising Action/Climax/Falling Action/Resolution 3. What is the conflict? 4. P.O.V. Will my story be told from a 1 st person perspective? 3 rd person? 5. What hook will I use to grab my readers’ attention from the start? 6. Who is my main character (protagonist)? What does he/she look like? How old is he/she? What is he/she like? *Graphic organizers will be provided for you to take notes on these points.