1. Short Story Elements
Mr. Geerlings – ENG2D

2. Short Story: The Success Equation
Literary Devices
Elements
Short Story

3. Short Story By name alone, they are a ‘brief tale’
Although short, it does not mean that such stories do not hold impact
Video: Seconds

4. Short Story: Defined
A short story is a closely-knit, concise narrative meant to be read in a single sitting
Much like a one-act play, these tales centre on a short snapshot of the character’s life
Every short story follows a similar narrative trajectory

5. Short Story: Defined
Every short story is comprised of a similar structure that contains 6 essential elements
Often written in narrative prose, but can be communicated in other ways (poem, video)
Depicts few characters and concentrates on creating a single mood
One of the oldest forms of narrative

6. The Open Doors: Short Story

7. Short Story: Elements Characters Setting Conflict Point of View
Plot (outline)
Theme

8. Short Story Elements: Character
Without characters there is no story!
Often the chief aim of an author is to reveal something about human nature, thus their characters are essential in this process
The process by which the writer reveals the personality of the character is called characterization

9. Short Story Elements: Character
There are two essential characters:
Protagonist – Main character
Antagonist – The adversary of the main character

10. Short Story Elements: Character
Direct Characterization
Author tells the reader what the personality of the reader is
Does not apply to adaptations like plays and film
Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.”
Indirect Characterization
Author describes things that reveal the personality of the character
This can be achieve through 5 different methods: 1) Summary of Features ) Mannerisms ) Dialogue ) Actions ) Setting

11. Short Story Elements: Setting
Setting is the backdrop of the story itself
It is comprised of three main features
Atmosphere
Mood/
Place
Time

12. Short Story Elements: Setting
3 Features of Setting:
Time:
Present day, ancient times, or the future
Place:
Neighborhood, city, country, universe
Mood:
The feelings and emotions that permeate the story – i.e., gloom, decay, hope, mystery

13. Short Story Elements: Setting
All about description…
"The walls were made of dark stone, dimly lit by torches. Empty benches rose on either side of him, but ahead, in the highest benches of all, were many shadowy figures. They had been talking in low voices, but as the heavy door swung closed behind Harry an ominous silence fell."

14. Short Story Elements: Setting
All about description…
The heavenly aroma of garlic, basil, and oregano mixed with the unmistakable yeasty scent of fresh bread and wafted on the cool air that blew in her face when she opened the door. Anne’s salivary glands kicked into overdrive and her stomach growled. She really needed to stop skipping lunch.”

15. Short Story Elements: Conflict
No story can exist without conflict, otherwise it would be incredibly boring to read
Conflict can be classified as either internal or external

16. Short Story Elements: Conflict
External
Man vs Man
Man vs Nature
Internal
Man vs Self

17. Short Story Elements: Conflict

18. Short Story Elements: Conflict

19. Short Story Elements: Conflict

20. Short Story Elements: Point of View
The perspective through which the story is being told
Always ask, whose feelings and thoughts are being conveyed?
For now, know that there are two main POVs:
1st Person
3rd Person

21. Short Story Elements: Plot
All elements of a short story are important, but plot is the most important if we are to have a story at all!
Plot is the foundation upon which all the other elements of the story rest
Plot framework for short stories follows a similar outline

22. Short Story Elements: Plot
This similar pattern can be represented by the plot outline:
Climax
Falling Action
Rising Action
Denouement
Exposition
Inciting Incident

23. Short Story Elements: Theme
Easily the hardest component to dissect in a short story, but by far the most important
Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral, or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work
In other words…
Theme is what the story teaches readers
What the writer wishes to convey about the subject

24. Short Story Elements: Theme
Little Red Riding Hood
Don’t talk to strangers
Spiderman (The Movie)
With great power comes great responsibility
Three Little Pigs
Hard work will pay off in the end
Star Wars
Nature is superior to technology

25. Short Story Elements: Theme
How to identify the theme:
Create a quick plot outline
Identify the subject of the story (i.e., gangs)
Identify the insight or truth that was learned about the subject
How did the protagonist change? What did they learn?
Generalize this into one sentence, describing the message the author has regarding the subject
THAT sentence is your theme 