The same literary elements found in long complicated texts, are usually at work in simpler, more direct, short stories. It is helpful to look at the parts of a short story before moving on to longer pieces such as novel and plays.

Every character, detail and event is significant. Short stories usually contain 2 or 3 characters. A brief time is covered; it usually begins near the climax. Most often the climax occurs at the end of the story.

Characters are revealed in a short story by: What a character says What a character does What others say about that character What the author says or implies about the character

The main character is called the Protagonist. The character or force that opposes the protagonist is called the Antagonist.

Characters are either dynamic (change, grow or mature in some way because of the events of the story) or static. They do not change or grow—they are practically the same from the beginning to the end.

Is the way an author chooses to describe a character. Direct Characterization: Narrator tells the reader about the character’s traits. Indirect Characterization: Narrator shows the character’s traits through his/her words, actions and/or appearance, and by showing us how other characters interact with the character being described. Note: work on developing an analyzes of each character. Begin by gathering all this evidence and make a judgment about the character.

What is telling the story? First Person POV: The narrator is a character in the story who describes things from his/her POV directly to the reader using the first person (“I”). The character’s thoughts and feelings are revealed.

Third Person POV: The narrator is not a character in the story; instead he/she describes things as an observer would. Often, this narrator is able to reveal the thoughts and feelings of one or a few of the characters, but from the perspective of someone outside the story.

Third Person Omniscient POV The narrator knows everything about all the characters. The narrator can enter the minds of each of the characters and reveal what they think and feel (multiple perspectives). This is sometimes called “god like” POV because the narrator is all knowing and all seeing.

Third-person objective employs a narrator who tells a story without describing any character's thoughts, opinions, or feelings; instead, it gives an objective, unbiased point of view. Often the narrator is self-dehumanized in order to make the narrative more neutral.

The events of the story that make up the action. The plot includes the following: 1)Exposition/Introduction: intro to the facts of the narrative. 2)Trigger incident: one event sets the events of the narrative in motion. 3)Rising Action: a series of incidents which cause the reader’s interest to rise; as the suspense grows, the reader is forced to ask questions and discover answers.

4) Climax: the highest point of action or interest. 5) Falling Action: a series of events that occur after the climax which resolve conflict and explain details. 6) Conclusion: the story is brought to an end, problems are solved.

The context and environment in which a situation exists. You need to analyze five important aspects to a narrative’s setting, they are: 1)Time 2)Place 1)Weather conditions 2)Social Atmosphere 3)Mood/Atmosphere

The central idea of the story that has universal significance. It is the lesson that the reader is taught and usually applies to life in general. It is usually implied rather then directly stated.

Person Vs Person: (a physical, emotional, or moral struggle between two or more people. Person Vs Him/herself: (an inner struggle) Person Vs Environment/Society: A person vs nature or circumstance. Person Vs Supernatural: A person who has to deal with supernatural or spiritual entities.

Pay attention to titles. The title of a work is significant—often shorthand for the theme or central idea the author wants to get across. Sometimes the title is ironic, meaning the opposite of what it says.

The way the story is told. The characteristics of the language used to tell the story it include: Diction: the type of words or vocabulary the author employs. Sensory Imagery: words that appeal to the five senses. Simile: a comparison using like or as. Metaphor: a comparison not using like or as. Personification: when objects or animals are given human qualities.

Symbols: a person, place, thing or event used to represent something else. Suspense: a state of uncertainty, excitement or indecision. Foreshadowing: hinting or suggesting an event will happen before it actually does. Flashback: referring to an event that occurred in the past.