Elements of a Short Story Background Notes

What is Fiction? Fiction refers to any works of prose that have imaginary elements. Although fiction can be inspired by actual events and people, it is usually the work of a writers imagination. There are two main types of fiction: novels and short stories. A novel is a long, complex work that can contain many characters, themes, and ideas. A short story is much shorter than a novel, and can usually be read in one sitting. Both novels and short stories are made up of four basic elements: plot, character, setting, and theme.

The Elements of a Short Story The sequence of events in a story is called the plot. Short stories usually have only one plot so they can be read in one sitting. The plot of a story includes four stages: exposition, rising action, climax, and falling action, or resolution. It is often helpful to diagram the plot like a pyramid.

Plot Diagram Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution

Elements of a Short Story Plots are almost always built around conflicts, or struggles between opposing forces. There are two main types: Internal conflict, which is a struggle a character has within him/herself. This could be when a character has to overcome some pain or obstacle. External Conflict, which is a struggle a character has with some outside force. It can be a struggle with another person, with his/her environment, or with society and laws.

Elements of a Short Story The people, animals, and other creatures in a story are the characters. There are several different classifications of characters, such as main and minor and static and dynamic. Writers show a character’s traits through three main methods of characterization:

Methods of Characterization By a character’s own thoughts and actions By other character’s thoughts about and actions towards a character By describing a character using carefully chosen details.

Elements of a Short Story The setting of a story is where and when it takes place. A story’s setting could take place in a real or imaginary setting, in the past, present or future. Writers use vivid descriptions of the setting to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Setting can play an important role in what happens to a character and how they respond to problems.

Elements of a Short Story The theme of a story is the message or lesson the writer conveys to the reader. The theme for a story might be “Never give upon your dreams”, or “honesty is always the best policy”. Most themes are not directly stated in a story. A story’s theme can be revealed by: The story’s title Key phrases and statements about big ideas The ways characters change and the lessons they learn about life.