SHORT STORY UNIT Plot Notes

1. Exposition This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story.

2. Rising Action This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

4. Falling Action All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. Resolution The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Plot Line Complete the following plot line, including at least one specific event/detail from the story that support each section. 3. Climax 2. Rising Action What is the main conflict? 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution 1. Exposition

Characterization Notes SHORT STORY UNIT Characterization Notes

Characterization Terms Role  Protagonist: Character who experiences conflict; usually the main character.  Antagonist: Character who creates conflict for the protagonist.   Personal growth Dynamic: Makes an important change in their life, receives new understanding, makes an important decision, takes crucial action  Static: Doesn’t change much during the course of the story Personality  Flat: simple personality, not too many character traits  Round: complex personality, the reader knows a lot about this character.  Stock: Stereotypical character, one we’ve seen many times before

How do we learn about a character? STEAL Analysis Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak? Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on others What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave? Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Completing a character analysis. Directions: In your notebook, complete a STEAL analysis for Grandma in the story “My Grandmother”. Answers to Anchor Questions CD that supports observation Speech Thoughts Effects on others Actions Looks

Which character am I assigned? August Via Jack Summer Julian Miranda Justin

Completing a character analysis. Directions: In your notebook, complete a STEAL analysis for your character. Answers to Anchor Questions CD that supports observation Speech Thoughts Effects on others Actions Looks

SHORT STORY UNIT Imagery Notes

What is imagery? Imagery is the use of words or phrases that appeal to our senses. Imagery can help the reader: see a mental picture hear a sound feel texture or temperature taste a sweet, sour, or salty flavor smell a scent

SHORT STORY UNIT Point of View Notes

Point of View: Who’s Telling the Story? Third Person Omniscient Limited First Person Second Person Mixed

Third Person Point of View The narrator does not participate in the action of the story as one of the characters So called because of its use of third person pronouns such as “he”, “she”, and “they” Third Person Omniscient defines a narrator that is all-seeing and all-knowing. The reader has access to all characters’ thoughts and feelings. Third Person Limited defines a narrator that has knowledge and familiarity with only one character. The reader has access to only this particular character’s thoughts and feelings.

First Person Point of View So called because of its use of first person pronouns such as “I”, “me”, “my”, and “mine” Narrator participates in the action of the story What the narrator is recounting might not be the objective (unbiased) truth Usually provides more intimate (familiar) understanding of story and characters

Second Person Point of View You use the second-person point of view to address the reader, as I just did. The second person uses the pronouns “you,” “your,” and “yours.”

Symbolism Notes

Symbolism A symbol is a thing or idea that stands for something else. Symbols are used in writing to give meaning beyond what is being described.

Symbolism What can be a symbol? Object Picture Written word Sound Numerals (numbers)

Symbolism Example: picture = love

Symbolism Example: math

Symbolism Example: colors RED = love, danger WHITE= peace, purity GREEN = nature, wealth

Symbolism Example in writing: Harry Potter The snake is used to represent evil. It is no coincidence that the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent.

SHORT STORY UNIT Conflict Notes

Personal Conflict Think about a time you were involved in a conflict: Who was involved in the conflict?  What is their relationship to you? What was the conflict about? What did you do/say during the conflict? What did the other person do/say during the conflict? How did you feel at the beginning of the conflict? How did you feel at the end of the conflict? Was the conflict resolved? How? In a minimum one-page journal entry, answer any or all of the above questions.

What is Conflict? A struggle between two opposing forces Relationship to key character terms "protagonist" and "antagonist" Four major types of conflict in literature

Four Major Types of Conflict Person versus Nature A character must overcome some natural obstacle or condition Floods, snowstorms, insects, plague, famine, or animals Person versus Person A struggle between two people Not always openly hostile (i.e., psychological conflict, a battle of wits, etc.)

Four Major Types of Conflict Person versus Society A character is at odds with a particular social force or condition produced by society Poverty, political revolution, a social convention, or set of values Person versus Self (internal conflict) A character struggles with facets within themselves May be emotional, intellectual, or moral Such conflicts typically leave the character indecisive and agitated

SHORT STORY UNIT Irony Notes

Verbal Irony An author or character says something, but means something else. What is said is often the opposite of what is meant. The character is aware of the irony. The reader is aware of the irony.

Dramatic Irony The reader knows something about a character’s situation that the character(s) does not know. The character is unaware of the irony. The reader is aware of the irony.

Situational Irony What actually happens is not what is expected to happen. Situational irony often defies logic. The character does not expect the outcome (irony). The reader does not expect the outcome (irony).

SHORT STORY UNIT Theme Notes

Theme Theme (n.): an idea or insight about human life and human behavior that gives meaning to the story. The main idea of a work of literature Different from a moral because it is not necessarily a lesson that a reader needs to learn, but an opinion about life or human nature Different from a thematic topic because it is expressed using a complete sentence

Composing a Theme Statement To compose a well developed theme statement, consider the topic. Do this by asking several questions. What is the topic about? Why is the topic an important issue? Who does the topic involve? How does the topic affect the average person? What problems or issues arise because of this topic? How does the topic affect the way society functions?

Topic vs. Theme The theme of Cinderella is NOT: overcoming obstacles The theme of Cinderella COULD BE: People need to overcome obstacles in order to achieve their dreams. The theme of Macbeth is NOT: greed The theme of Macbeth COULD BE: Greed could lead to one’s downfall.

Thematic Topics in “Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?” War Fear What others can you think of?

“Where Have You Gone Charming Billy” Answer the following prompt. Use two quotes from the story to support your answer. Prompt: How does the author use irony to support the theme of the story?