1. Short Story Unit
Introduction Notes

2. What is a Short Story? Prose fiction (ordinary language)
7,000 – 10,000 words
Can be read in one sitting

3. Differences between… Novel Complex plot Many emotions
Short Story
Simple plot
Single emotion
Covers shorter time span
Fewer characters
Novel
Complex plot
Many emotions
Covers many years
Many characters

4. What are some elements of a short story?
Setting
Characters
Plot
Conflict
Point of View
Theme
Symbolism

5. A. Setting When and Where the story takes place
Establishes the atmosphere of the story
What are the requirements of Setting?
Time
Place
General environment
Mood and Tone

6. B. Types of Characters
Protagonist – the main character who is trying to achieve a goal
Antagonist – the character who causes problems in the story; the antagonist may be an obstacle rather than a person at times

7. C. Plot – The plan of action for the story, the sequence of events

8. Exposition – the beginning situation, introduces setting and characters. Rising Action – complications, problems, conflicts set up the story.

9. Climax - the highest emotional tension in the story; the “turning point.” Falling Action - occurs after the climax, bringing the story to a close.

10. conclusion of the story, working out the final details.
Resolution –
conclusion of the story, working out the final details.
Turning Point/Climax
Rising Action Falling Action
Exposition Resolution

11. D. CONFLICT – any struggle between opposing forces
Internal Conflict – mental struggle arising from opposing demands
Character vs. Self (conscience)
External Conflict – struggle between a literary character and an outside force
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Society
Character vs. Fate

12. E. Point of View First-person – “I” Second-person – “You”
Third-person – “He/She”

13. *** “Universal” Theme ***
F. Theme The main idea of the story or the idea the author wants to put across to the reader.
*** “Universal” Theme ***

14. The theme must be:
Specific
Universal, applies to anyone (Romeo and Juliet – theme of love and devotion)
Important to the story
Provide unity to the story

15. G. Symbolism – a concrete object stands for an abstract idea (something represents something other than itself. EX: the U.S. Flag)