1. Elements of a Short Story
Ms. Dettloff 1

2. Learning Target Identify and define elements of a short story2

3. So, what is the definition of a short story?
Overview
So, what is the definition of a short story?
Elements of a Short Story 3

4. Definition: Most often fictional writing between 500 to 5000 words
Tells about a single event or experience
Has a beginning, middle & end
Has a protagonist & antagonist

5. Overview of Short Story
Has a single plot
Focuses on only one incident
A small number of characters
Single setting (most often)
Setting covers a short period of time or a few places

6. Elements of a Short Story
Setting
Tells the reader where and when the story takes place.

7. Overview of Short Story
Can be read in its entirety within one sitting.
The plot is not very complex.
The story quickly comes to the point.

8. Elements of a Short Story
Plot
The chain of related events that take place in a story.
Built around conflict, which is a struggle between opposing forces.

9. Purpose
To entertain
To involve the reader in a single situation or conflict
To demonstrate a central theme through a character’s life.

10. Elements of a Short Story
Characters and Characterization
The people, and in some stories, the animals that take part in the story. The description of the personalities of the characters in the story and the way in which an author reveals their personalities.

11. Elements of a Short Story
Two Identifications of Characters
1. Protagonist – the hero of the story
2. Antagonist – the villain in the story who is always opposing the protagonist

12. Methods of Characterization Creating Believable Characters
Elements of a Short Story
Methods of Characterization Creating Believable Characters
Indirect
physical appearance
speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of the character
speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of other characters
Direct
the narrator’s direct comments about a character

13. PLOT DIAGRAM Exposition
The plot is the sequence or order of events in a story.
The plot includes:
Exposition
The part of the plot that tells how the story begins.
Rising Action
The action in the story leading up to the climax.
Conflict
The struggles or problems between opposing forces.
Climax
The point of crisis in the plot. It may be the reader’s point of highest interest.
Falling action
The action in the story after the climax is revealed.
Resolution
The part of the plot that reveals the final outcome.
PLOT DIAGRAM
Climax
Rising Action
Conflict
Falling Action
Resolution
Exposition

15. Elements of a Short Story
Types of Conflict
-Man vs. Man
-Man vs. Nature
-Man vs. Society
- Man vs. Supernatural Being
-Man vs. Himself

16. Elements of a Short Story
Theme
The main idea of a story.
AND so much more! ’

17. Theme
Portrays the views about life and how people behave – often a universal truth. (Golden Rule, etc.)
Is not usually presented directly, the reader must connect the pieces.
The reader can figure out the theme from the characters, their actions, setting of the story or with symbols presented.

18. Theme Continued To uncover the theme, the reader might refer to…
The title of the story
Notice repeating patterns, motifs and symbols
Make connections to allusions made throughout the story

19. Character’s Development
Characters’ Actions
Dialogue or Thoughts
Reactions to Other Characters or Situations
Character’s Habits/Idiosyncrasies
Character’s Possessions
Physical Descriptions
Background Information from Other Sources (usually from characters or foreshadowing from author)

20. Central Themes for English 9
Inter-Relationships
How people interact with other people
Self-Reliance
How the character behaves/acts

21. The Theme may make you wonder:
How do I relate to my family, my community, and my country?
How do my relationships, skills and talents help to define me?
What lesson(s) can I derive from stories?
How can I apply these lessons to my life?

22. Elements of a Short Story
CONCLUSION
Now that we have identified and defined the elements of a short story, let us use the elements to analyze a Short Story.

23. Happy Reading!!!