Elements of a Short Story

Definition of a Short Story A short piece of prose, usually under 10,000 words Limited length requires precise development Designed to make an immediate impression or to make a specific point, to persuade or influence May be written to entertain or to impact the reader Key elements of a short story: Setting Character and Characterization Plot Conflict Theme Style

Establishing a Setting The time, location, and atmosphere created in a story Can help to develop a background or to establish the foundation for a character May or may not be important to the overall plot of the story Place – the location where the story is taking place, can be a geographic or more specific (in the kitchen of a house) Time – when the story is taking place Historic period Year Time of day Weather conditions or climate – weather or climate conditions may play a role in the plot or in establishing character Social conditions – how the daily life of the characters will be impacted as a result of outside influences Customs Speech Dress Atmosphere or mood – the feeling created by the story, emotional setting used to induce fear, anger, excitement, happiness, etc

Purpose of a Setting To set up or provide background for the plot To establish conflict; an antagonist in the story To create atmosphere and impact reader emotions To reveal or further develop the character To clarify or reinforce theme or purpose of story

Characters Characters are key to any short story. Around them, and their actions, the story develops. There are two main types of characters, and a third, less important type that is used to fill out the story: Protagonist – usually the main character; can be a hero or the victim of others in the story Antagonist – this character opposes the protagonist; can be a villain or problematic contributor

Types of Characters Flat – has only one or two distinct traits, ideas or qualities Round- complex and multi faceted, many traits. Static- remains the same throughout the story Dynamic- undergoes a permanent change in some aspect of his/her character, outlook or personality Stock/stereotype- special type of flat characters. Stereotyped nature is immediately known Character foils- two characters who contrast each other so strongly to emphasize the differences

Characterization Characterization is HOW the author develops or depicts the characters in a story. Types of Characterization: Direct – an author describes the character Indirect – the author provides information to allow the reader to develop their own description of the character . METHOD USED S.T.E.A.L Methods used for characterization: Physical description of the character – how the character looks, may be described by a narrator or through self reflection Dialogue or Character self-description – characters description of personality or dialogue to others that reveals personality traits Actions – the way a character reacts to situations in the plot help to develop the character and their strengths and weaknesses Thoughts – internal dialogue or description can help to show a characters intentions or motivation Inference – the thoughts and descriptions of a character by other characters helps to show the outward appearance

Plot in a Short Story The plot is a plan of action or a series of events that tell the story. The plot is built up and then unwound in the course of the story. Introduction/Exposition Inciting/Trigger Incident Rising Action Climax Falling Conclusion/Resolution Identifies a basic problem or conflict Complicating incidents or obstacles Highest point of excitement How the problem is resolved

Plot Points in Detail Introduction/Exposition – introduces the setting, characters, and main conflict to be discussed in the story; should be effective in keeping the reader engaged Inciting/Trigger Incident – a major event or action that begins the plot or stages of the story and the character development Rising Action – the majority of the story which works to build the character and the steps they take to resolve their conflict; can involve obstacles and additional conflicts for the characters to overcome; must keep the reader engaged and looking toward resolutions and conclusions Climax – the point in the story where conflicts are resolved and the characters deal with their obstacles; climax actions will lead to the end of the story Falling Action – the aspects of the story that will bring about the conclusion Conclusion/Resolution – the end of the story in which all aspects of the plot are tied up and conflicts are resolved; some stories may not have a clear conclusion or resolution (may lead to a new story beginning)

Conflict The conflict in a story is the main tension that is faced by the character. It helps to create a struggle that will need to be resolved by the main character or characters. It may be external or internal. Two types of conflict may arise in a short story: External Person vs. Person Person vs. Society Person vs. Environment Person vs. Fate Person vs. Technology Person vs. Animals Person vs. Supernatural Internal Person vs. Self – an internal struggle

Theme & P.O.V The Style(POINT OF VIEW) of a short story is the author’s way of telling the story. It is the perspective, or point of view, in which they deliver the information for the reader, and can be very significant in the delivery of the theme. Three Points of View: First Person – the story is told by the protagonist or another significant character by using “I” or “we” to share events Third Person Omniscient – an all knowing view of all characters including their thoughts and feelings; uses “he” or “she” or “they” to detail events Third Person Limited – one character tells the story through detailing events and characters through their own perspective The Theme of a story story is the point the author is trying to make in telling the story; the main message they wish to share with their intended audience (their readers). Theme is usually shared through the telling of the story, but is not obvious. It may also hold varied meaning for different readers. It can be a moral or a lesson, but almost always shares a belief the author wants to make apparent to the reader.