Elements of the Short Story Elements of the Short Story And some Lit Terms…

Plot: the series of related events with in a literary work

Plot Chart Exposition: This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem). Exposition: This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem). Rising Action: This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs. Rising Action: This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs. Climax: This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way. Climax: This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way. Falling Action: All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of. Falling Action: All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of. Resolution: The story comes to a reasonable ending. Resolution: The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Setting the literal time (when), place (where) and atmosphere of a literary work

Character: the imaginary inhabitants of the world created by the writer

Characterization the methods used by the author to acquaint the reader with the inhabitants in the literary work

Methods of Characterization Direct description: details revealed by the narrator concerning physical appearance, age or personality of the character Direct description: details revealed by the narrator concerning physical appearance, age or personality of the character

Methods of Characterization Indirect description: personality traits revealed by the character’s own word, actions and thoughts Indirect description: personality traits revealed by the character’s own word, actions and thoughts Indirect description: personality traits revealed by other characters’ words and thoughts about and actions toward the character Indirect description: personality traits revealed by other characters’ words and thoughts about and actions toward the character

Characters Protagonist: Main character in the story- usually hero type Protagonist: Main character in the story- usually hero type Antagonist: Person or force against protagonist Antagonist: Person or force against protagonist Static: character that does not change Static: character that does not change Dynamic: character experiences epiphany, changes Dynamic: character experiences epiphany, changes Flat: simple characteristics, not deep Flat: simple characteristics, not deep Round: complex characteristics, deep Round: complex characteristics, deep

Conflict The tension created between two or more characters within a literary work. The height of tension is called the climax.

TYPES OF CONFLICT Man versus Man Man Self Self Nature Nature Supernatural Supernatural Society Society Technology Technology

Point of View Also called “Narrative manner” Also called “Narrative manner” the way in which the story is told the way in which the story is told

Point of View First person: narrator is directly involved in the story First person: narrator is directly involved in the story “I saw …,” “I said…” “I observed…” “I saw …,” “I said…” “I observed…”

Point of View Third Person Limited: narrator reports story as if he is on the outside looking in and may know the thought of no more than one character

Point of View Third Person Omniscient: narrator reports story as if he is on the outside looking in and may know the thoughts of more than one character

Drama Aside: A few words or a short passage spoken by one character to the audience while the other actors on stage pretend they cannot hear the speaker’s words. Aside: A few words or a short passage spoken by one character to the audience while the other actors on stage pretend they cannot hear the speaker’s words. Soliloquy: Monologue spoken by an actor at a point in the play when the character believes he is alone. Soliloquy: Monologue spoken by an actor at a point in the play when the character believes he is alone.

Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about what will happen later in text Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about what will happen later in text Imagery: Descriptive language that gives detailed image in reader’s mind Imagery: Descriptive language that gives detailed image in reader’s mind Irony: When appearance (what you think is happening) is different from reality (what is actually happening) Irony: When appearance (what you think is happening) is different from reality (what is actually happening) Metaphor : a direct comparison of two things- Robert is a tank. Metaphor : a direct comparison of two things- Robert is a tank. Simile: a comparison using “like” or “as” - Her eyes are like diamonds. Simile: a comparison using “like” or “as” - Her eyes are like diamonds.

Lit terms Symbol: An object that represents something else Symbol: An object that represents something else Tone: Attitude or feeling toward the subject on which the author writes Tone: Attitude or feeling toward the subject on which the author writes Suspense: The tension of the story, feeling of uncertainty about what will happen next Suspense: The tension of the story, feeling of uncertainty about what will happen next Theme : A message or lesson a story tries to teach us about life. Theme : A message or lesson a story tries to teach us about life.

Alliteration: repetition of initial consonant sounds- t errible t ruths t errified T errance Alliteration: repetition of initial consonant sounds- t errible t ruths t errified T errance Assonance: repetition of a vowel sound- i gnorance i s d i sguised w i th i n i nsult Assonance: repetition of a vowel sound- i gnorance i s d i sguised w i th i n i nsult Consonance: the repetition of consonant sounds- ha gg ard ra gg ed ho g Consonance: the repetition of consonant sounds- ha gg ard ra gg ed ho g Onomatopoeia: A word that imitates the sound(s) it represents buzz = sound of a bee Smack = sound of a hit Onomatopoeia: A word that imitates the sound(s) it represents buzz = sound of a bee Smack = sound of a hit Personification: A type of figurative language that gives human characteristics to non-human things- The wind whispered through the trees. Personification: A type of figurative language that gives human characteristics to non-human things- The wind whispered through the trees.