SHORT STORY ELEMENTS

1.Setting 1.Setting the place and TIME of the action of the story the place and TIME of the action of the story 2.Plot 2.Plot series of events in a story series of events in a story 3.External conflict 3.External conflict struggle of man vs. man, struggle of man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. machine, or man vs. society or man vs. society

4.internal conflict 4.internal conflict is always man vs. himself-(man struggles mentally with opposing needs, desires, and emotions) is always man vs. himself-(man struggles mentally with opposing needs, desires, and emotions) 5.protagonist 5.protagonist the main character the main character 6.antagonist 6.antagonist character or force that comes into contact with or against the protagonist character or force that comes into contact with or against the protagonist

7.exposition 7.exposition the basic situation –background of the story the basic situation –background of the story 8.Rising Action- where the conflict intensifies 8.Rising Action- where the conflict intensifies 9.Climax 9.Climax the turning point in the story that affects the outcome of the story the turning point in the story that affects the outcome of the story 10.falling action 10.falling action the part directly after the climax that gives explanation and is followed by the resolution the part directly after the climax that gives explanation and is followed by the resolution 11.resolution 11.resolution occurs when all of the conflicts occurs when all of the conflicts are resolved

Plot at a Glance climax falling action rising action resolution exposition

12.imagery 12.imagery when a writer appeals to the reader’s senses (smell, sight, taste, sound, touch) when a writer appeals to the reader’s senses (smell, sight, taste, sound, touch) 13.irony- 13.irony-the difference between what is expected and reality in a negative way 14.dramatic irony 14.dramatic irony when the reader knows when the reader knows something in the story that the other characters don’t know

15.foreshadowing 15.foreshadowing The use of clues that hint at The use of clues that hint at what is going to happen later in the story 16.tone 16.tone attitude a writer takes attitude a writer takes toward a reader, subject, or character

17.motivation 17.motivation person’s reasons for doing person’s reasons for doing something or feeling a certain way

18.mood 18.mood The atmosphere created by a literary work The atmosphere created by a literary work

19.Flat character 19.Flat character is not fully developed; we know only one is not fully developed; we know only one side of the character. 20.Static Character- This character does not change throughout the story. 21.Round character 21.Round character is fully-developed, with many traits--bad and good--shown in the story. is fully-developed, with many traits--bad and good--shown in the story.

22.Dynamic character- This character changes. 22.Dynamic character- This character changes. 23. in media res 23. in media res (means in the middle of things)-when an author begins in the middle of the story and fills in the background later (means in the middle of things)-when an author begins in the middle of the story and fills in the background later

24.point of view 24.point of view the perspective of whoever is telling the story the perspective of whoever is telling the story Point of view types: Point of view types: First person - uses "I First person - uses "I Second person - uses "you" - The author speaks directly to the reader(rarely used today) Second person - uses "you" - The author speaks directly to the reader(rarely used today) Third person - uses "he," "she," or "it" Third person - uses "he," "she," or "it" Limited omniscient (type of 3rd person)- We are told the thoughts and feelings of only one character Limited omniscient (type of 3rd person)- We are told the thoughts and feelings of only one character Omniscient – (type of 3rd person)We are told everything about the story, including the thoughts and feelings of all the characters Omniscient – (type of 3rd person)We are told everything about the story, including the thoughts and feelings of all the characters

25.diction 25.diction An author's choice of words An author's choice of words 26.symbolism 26.symbolism A device in literature where an object represents an idea. (Ex: Neo in the Matrix represents a Christ-like figure.) A device in literature where an object represents an idea. (Ex: Neo in the Matrix represents a Christ-like figure.) 27.flashback 27.flashback A reference to an event which took place prior to the beginning of a story or play A reference to an event which took place prior to the beginning of a story or play

27. Theme In literature, theme is a perception about life or human nature that the writer wants to share with the reader. Sometimes, it is a lesson or moral. In most cases, the theme is not stated directly but must be inferred. Themes can be revealed by - a story’s title - key phrases and statements about big ideas - the ways the characters change and the lessons they learn about life.

Examples of Themes in Literature Greed is the Root of all Evil Love conquers all Carpe Diem (seize the day) Trust Yourself The Power of Nature