Elements of Short Stories

CHARACTERIZATION Usually people or animals This is how the author develops characters….. Includes: Direct Characterization - what the author says about the character Ex. He looked even smaller and skinnier than he really was because all he had to wear were old clothes of Dudley’s” Direct description of Harry Potter in The Sorcerer’s Stone Indirect Characterization - what the character does and says, what the other characters say about the character Ex. “I stared because their faces, so different, so similar, were all devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful.” Bella speaking about the Cullens in Twilight

Protagonist The main character in the story. * Be aware that the protagonist does not have to be the “good” guy. It depends on the perspective of the story. Example: The Three Little Pigs- the three little pigs The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs- A. Wolf (“The Big Bad Wolf”)

Antagonist The antagonist is the character or force that is working against the main character, the protagonist. Example: In Harry Potter, an antagonist is Draco Malfoy.

Other Characters Just because they are not a main character does not mean they are not important. Some characters pop in to give a clue or an important message. Example: Harry Potter- Nevil Longbottom Twilight- Jacob Black

SETTING This is where the story takes place. The more details the better picture the reader can draw in their head. Example: “She pulled the door wide. The entrance hall was so big your could have fit the whole of the Dursley’s house in it. The stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.” Description of Hogwarts

CONFLICT The struggle between two opposing forces. External conflict: This happens outside of the person. Between two people or between their ideas. Does not have to be physical Harry Potter vs. Voldemort Internal conflict: Happens within the body, within a conscience or heart. Bella’s conflicting love for Jacob and Edward

TYPES OF CONFLICT MAN VS. MAN – Problem with another character MAN VS. SOCIETY – Problem with the laws of beliefs of a group of people MAN VS. NATURE – Problem with a force of nature or some aspect of the environment MAN VS. SELF – Problem with deciding what to do, think, or feel

PLOT Climax Falling Action Rising action Resolution Conflict begins The turning point in the story. Falling Action Rising action The events that lead to the resolution. The events that lead up to the climax May not be there. Conflict begins Exposition Resolution Introduces the setting and characters How the story is ended.

CINDERELLA EXPOSITION – In a kingdom far away…. Cinderella, step sisters, prince, Fairy Godmother, Evil Stepmother RISING ACTION – Cinderella wants to go to the ball. Stepmother gives her chores to keep her away. Fairy Godmother helps her get to the ball. She dances with the prince and falls in love. CLIMAX – Cinderella has to leave in a hurry and leaves one of her shoes behind. FALLING ACTION – Prince begins his search for the mystery girl at the ball. RESOLUTION – Cinderella tries on the shoe and the prince finds his one true love.

EXAMPLES OF POV 1ST PERSON – One of the characters is telling the story through their eyes. This point of view uses “I” Bella narrating Twilight THIRD PERSON OMNISCIENT – Get to view events from many different character. Unwind THIRD PERSON LIMITED – The point of view of 1 person in the story, but it is not told from their perspective. Harry Potter

Mood This is the feeling that the writer has created for the reader. Writers use many literary devices to create different moods. Example: A feeling of love. A feeling of doom. A feeling of fear. A feeling of pride.

THEME A general statement that connects to the novel and the reader. The lesson learned from the novel. Example: You have to work at what you want in life. I wanted to be good at baseball, so I practiced everyday. When I was in high school I played on the varsity as a Freshmen. In the novel, Jill wanted to win the science fair. She researched for hours until she came up with the perfect project and then spend days completing the project.