1. The Short Story

2. What is a Short Story?
A short story is : a brief work of fiction (not true) where the main character faces a conflict that is worked out in the plot of the story

3. Character
Character – a person, animal or anything else the author uses in a story, poem or play.
Types of Characters:
Round - fully developed, has many different character traits
Flat - stereotyped, one-dimensional, few traits
Static – Does not change
Dynamic – Changes as a result of the story's events

4. Characterization Direct characterization Indirect characterization
How the author develops the characters, especially the main character.
what the character does or says
what others say of and to the character
Direct characterization
The author directly states what the character’s personality is like. (Example: cruel, kind)
Indirect characterization
Showing a character’s personality through his/her actions, thoughts, feelings, words, appearance or other character’s observations or reactions

5. Protagonist Main character of the story the most important character
changes and grows because of experiences in the story
hero

6. Antagonist A major character who opposes the protagonist
the antagonist does not change
villain
Types of antagonists:
people
nature
society

7. Conflict A struggle between two opposing forces Types
Internal – takes place in a character’s own mind
Man vs. Him(Her)self
External – a character struggles against an outside force
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Society

8. What is the Plot?
Plot: Series of related events that make up a story.

9. Exposition/Introduction
Section that introduces characters, the setting, and conflicts.

10. Setting - TAP Time – can be general or specific
Atmosphere – the feeling atmosphere creates
Place – can be general or specific

11. Rising Action Consists of a series of complications.
These occur when the main characters take action to resolve their problems and are met with further problems:
Fear
Hostility
Threatening situation

12. Climax
The turning point in the story: the high point of interest and suspense
Climax
Rising Action or Complications
Falling Action
Resolution
Exposition/
Introduction

13. Falling Action
All events following the climax or turning point in the story. These events are a result of the action taken at the climax.

14. Resolution Conclusion
The end of the central conflict: it shows how the situation turns out and ties up loose ends

15. Point of View View point from which the writer tells the story.
First person - One of the characters is actually telling the story using the pronoun “I”
Third person - Centers on one character’s thoughts and actions. (he, she)
Omniscient - All knowing narrator. Can center on the thoughts any actions of any and all characters.

16. The “main idea” of the story
Theme
The central message or insight into life revealed through a literary work.
The “main idea” of the story
Stated themes are directly presented in a story
Implied themes must be inferred by considering all the elements of a story and asking what message about life is conveyed

17. Foreshadowing
Clues the writer puts in the story to give the reader a hint of what is to come.

18. Symbolism
An object, person, or event that stands for something more than itself.
Example: Scales function is to weigh things,
but they are also a symbol of our justice system.
Can you think of any more?

19. Let’s learn the elements of short stories through Cinderella…
Setting -
The story takes place a long time ago in a land ruled by a king and a queen.

20. Characters in Cinderella
The main characters are Cinderella, the stepsisters, their mother, the fairy godmother, and the prince.
Protagonist: Cinderella
Antagonist: the stepsisters, their mother

21. Theme in Cinderella The theme of Cinderella is implied.
The reader can infer the message that if you are in a bad situation, you should do the best that you can. In the end, things will work out for you.

22. Conflict in Cinderella
Cinderella wants to go to the ball, but her stepsisters prevent her from going.
The conflict is external - Cinderella versus the stepsisters and their mother.
Man vs. Man

23. The 5 Stages of Plot in Cinderella
Climax
The stepsisters
try to force their
feet into the slipper.
It fits Cinderella!
A fairy godmother appears and provides Cinderella
with clothes, a coach, and footman.
Cinderella dances with the prince,
but leaves hurriedly at midnight; losing a slipper
Falling Action
An invitation to the ball arrives.
Cinderella lives
with her stepsisters
and their mother.
They make her wear
rags and do all the
hard work.
Cinderella and
the prince marry.
The prince
says he
will marry
the woman
whom the
slipper fits.
Cinderella goes to the ball.
The stepsisters go to the ball.
Introduction
They live happily
ever after.
Rising Action
Resolution