Elements of a Short Story P.I.S.C.C.A.P. Elements of a Short Story

Definition An incident, or series of incidents, having one main character in whose problems the author is mainly concerned and who changes as a result of the action of the story.

P- Plotline In any given short story there will be 5 parts to the plot. Introduction- often includes important background information on characters and introduces the setting for the story Initial Incident- the conflict/problem that the rest of the story is based around Rising Actions- after the initial incident, the part of the story that builds up suspense Climax- the highest point of interest/action Conclusion- the part of the story where the conflict is resolved, or some kind of resolution is provided There are two other parts to the plot which are sometimes included – denouement and anti-climax

I- Irony Irony is an element used by writers of short stories to create interest in the reader. There are three main types of irony: Verbal Irony- occurs when a character or narrator says one thing but means the opposite Situational Irony- occurs when there is a contrast between what appears to be and what actually exists Dramatic Irony- occurs when the reader knows more than the character(s) There is also a type of irony which is less commonly used, called reverse dramatic, where the character(s) know more than the reader.

S- Subject/Theme The subject of a short story deals with what the author chooses to write about (ex. war, friendship, etc...). The theme is the message the author wishes the reader to get out of story. This may also be referred to as the moral of the story.

C- Characterization This is as it suggests, the development and role of different characters within a short story. The two main types of characters are : Round/Dynamic- These characters are more developed and tend to be more central to the story. Flat/Stereotypical- These characters are included to progress and enhance the story but do not have a well developed history or background. Main characters can also be stereotypical in nature to enhance their persona.

C-Conflict Conflict is what adds excitement to a story There are three types of conflict: Social- Also called man vs. man, this type involves some form of conflict between humans. Psychological- This conflict occurs within the mind of the character involved. Man vs. Self Environmental- A conflict involving human(s) and a natural element. It can also be referred to as man vs. nature.

A- Atmosphere/Tone/Mood These three elements are all slightly different but closely related. Atmosphere-Created by the author to create a certain feeling within the reader. Tone- Their perspective or feelings toward the subject. Mood- The feeling evoked in the reader by the story

P- Point of View This is the way in which the author chooses to convey the thoughts, feelings and actions of his/her characters. There are 4 kinds: 1st person- One character is narrating the story by speaking for and about themselves (“I”). 2nd person(not widely used)- The story is told by the narrator to another character using “you.” 3rd person- The narrator tells the story as they see it using “he” or “she.” Omniscient- The narrator is speaking in third person but is also able to know the thoughts and feelings of all the characters involved as if a “god-like figure.”

Sources http://www.sd79.bc.ca/programs/abed/ACIP/ vocab_sheets/short_story_terms.pdf www.definitions.com This PowerPoint is put together by H. Davis from the above sources and material provided by M. McArdle. From Moncton High School, Moncton, New Brunswick

Type: First person Why: “I’ll never be able to work again.” 2. Type: Second Person Why: “You are trapped inside a coffin.” 3. Type: Third Person Omniscient Why: “little does he know that in this exact stadium, on this exact spot forty years before.” 4. Type: Third Person Why: “She must never gaze with her own eyes.” 5. Type: First Person Why: “ I smile and begin to eat” 6. Type: Third Omniscient Why: “simultaneously” 7. Type: Second Why: “You wish it to be summer again” 8. Type: Third Why: Festering jealously was what made Jade take the knife” 9. Type: First Why: I am speechless 10. Type: third omniscient Why: Changes places

On a sheet of paper you are to write out all the parts of a short story plotline. There are seven of them.

Antecedent Action Introduction Initial Incident Rising Action Climax Falling Action (Denouement) Conclusion