1. Short Story Literary Terms

2. Characteristics of the Short Story
All characters are important.
There is little or no change of setting.
Only one impression or strong emotion is produced.
The plot is never complicated.
The story can be read in one sitting.

3. Characters

4. Stock/Static Characters
Stock or static characters do not change. They do not evolve as a result of their experiences.

5. Developing/Dynamic Characters
Developing or dynamic characters change. They evolve as a result of their experiences.

6. Protagonist
The protagonist is who the action centers around. He/she is the main character.

7. Antagonist
The antagonist is the opposing force. He/she is going against the protagonist.

8. Conflict
Conflict is the main problem in the story. There are many types of literary conflict.

9. Person v. Person

10. Person v. Self

11. Person v. Nature

12. Person v. Society

13. Plot
Plot is the main events in the story.

14. Exposition
Background information given at the beginning of the story. Tells about the characters, setting, etc.

15. Rising Action
Plot events leading up to the climax.

16. Climax
The most exciting part of the plot. Often the turning point.

17. Falling Action
Plot events leading to the resolution. Comes after the climax.

18. Resolution
The concluding events that resolve the plot, sometimes called the denouement.

19. Point of View
Point of view is the perspective from which the story is told.

20. First Person
Uses I, we, or me. Example, “I got up this morning and tripped over the dog.”

21. Third Person
Told by someone outside the story. Uses he, she or they.

22. Third Person Limited
The narrator uses he/she but only knows the facts of the story, not the thoughts or feelings of the characters.

23. Third Person Omniscient
The narrator uses he/she and knows everything, even the thoughts and feelings of the characters.

24. Tone
Author’s attitude toward subject, such as angry, bitter, playful, or excited

25. Mood
The feeling evoked by the piece of writing, such as gloomy, cheerful, or spooky

26. Setting
Setting is the time and place of the story

27. Theme
The overall message that applies to most people, such as Love conquers all or In war, everyone loses.

28. Foreshadowing
A warning of a future event

29. Flashback
To go back to an earlier time or previous event

30. Irony
A twist of circumstances or unexpected event

31. Symbols
Concrete objects that stand for abstract ideas, such as a snake representing evil

32. Plot Diagram

33. ©Kimberly Dana Kimberly Dana is an award-winning teacher and author
©Kimberly Dana Kimberly Dana is an award-winning teacher and author. For more classroom ideas and activities, go to: