1. Short Story Elements

2. PLOT: Sequence of events in a literary work
Two basic elements
Character
Conflict: Problem between the protagonist and antagonist
Character vs. character
Character vs. nature
Character vs. society
Character vs. self

3. Plot Diagram Climax Falling Action Rising Action Exposition Resolution
Denouement

4. Exposition Establishes setting Identifies characters
Introduces basic situation
Exposition

5. Rising Action Contains inciting incident (beginning of conflict)
Introduces central conflict
Character vs. character
Character vs. nature
Character vs. society
Character vs. self
Develops conflict and shows effect conflict has on characters
Rising Action
Exposition

6. Climax High point in the action of the plot
High point of interest (passive)
High point of suspense (active)
Climax
Rising Action
Exposition

7. Falling Action
The story begins to calm down and the character starts to show changes in their characteristics.
If there is a theme, the theme is beginning to unfold to the reader and to the character.
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Exposition

8. Resolution Resolution: ties up the loose ends
Denouement: final solution to a play or plot
Climax
Rising Action
Falling Action
Exposition
Resolution
Denouement

9. Characters
Person or animal who takes part in the action of a literary work.
Three types of characters:
1. main character or protagonist
2. antagonist
3. minor character

10. Types of Characters Main character or protagonist
Focus of reader’s attention
May change in important ways during the story

11. Types of Characters Antagonist
Character or force in conflict with the main character
Struggle between the two is the central conflict
Struggle is the foundation for the plot

12. Types of Characters Minor character Not the main focus of attention
May help the reader learn about the main character

13. Fictional Character Descriptions
Round character is well developed
Writer reveals background
Also reveals personality traits: good AND bad
Flat character is not well-developed
Writer reveals very little personal history
Also reveals only one or two traits

14. Fictional Character Descriptions
Dynamic character changes during the course of a story
Static character does not change during the course of a story

15. Setting
Time and place of action in a literary work

16. Setting: Time and place of action
Time of action
Time
Historical period
Past
Present
Future
Others
Year
Season
Time of day
Weather
Place of action
Specific place
Country
State
Region
Community
General place
Neighborhood
Building
Institution
Home

17. Setting: Time and place of action
Other details
Dialects: Way they talk
Clothing: What they wear
Customs: Traditions, religion, families, etc.
Modes of transportation: Cars, buggies, horses, etc.
*All are supported by the Setting

18. Short Story Theme Theme is the message the author is trying to convey
A common theme is the battle between good and evil
*Theme is an insight into life

19. Theme A Theme is communicated in many ways Stating the theme
Suggest the theme or imply theme

20. Finding Implied Theme Consider clues such as story’s title
How a character solves a problem
Passage in story may convey powerful emotions

21. No Implied or Stated Theme
Sometimes no implied or stated theme in story
Instead, explores an important question without answering it

22. Point of View Point of view: vantage point from which a story is told
First person: narrator refers to himself/herself as “I”
Third person: narrator, outside the action, refers to characters as “he” or “she”
Omniscient third person: narrator knows all characters’ thoughts, outside of the story

23. Story Elements
Keep your notes; you will need them throughout the year!