1. Short Story
- Presents a main character involved in a single episode that begins, develops, and ends in a limited time. There is always a theme (author’s message) in a short story.

2. Introduction Should catch reader’s attention Identify main characters
define setting
- Introduce conflict

3. Develops the conflict story gets more exciting
Rising Action
Develops the conflict
story gets more exciting

4. The most exciting point in the story all conflicts come to a head
Climax
The most exciting point in the story
all conflicts come to a head

5. Conflict begins to be resolved Action is winding down
Falling Action
Conflict begins to be resolved
Action is winding down

6. Clarifies the theme(s) of the story answers any unresolved questions
The End
Clarifies the theme(s) of the story
answers any unresolved questions