1. A work of narrative prose fiction.

2.  Setting: Refers to a time, place and atmosphere; where it’s happening and when.  The short story usually takes place in one location and the time covered is normally short (sometimes only a few minutes or hours in a day)

3. What should I consider when it comes to setting?  Weather  Location  Time of day  Year/Date

4.  Character: There are generally only one or a few main characters in a short story and each plays an important part.  The main character in a short story is called the PROTAGONIST and the character (or force) who presents an obstacle for the protagonist is called the ANTAGONIST.

5.  Plot: This is a sequence of events in a story as arranged by the author. This includes:  Introduction/Exposition  Rising Action  Climax  Falling Action/Resolution

6.  Introduction: We are acquainted with the setting, main characters, and the initiating incident or conflict.  A hook is really important here. Hook the reader’s attention by opening with a shocking line, description or bit of dialogue. Avoid the generic, “Once upon a time…” or, “Once, there was this guy…”

7. Take out a sheet of paper and write 3 weak leads (hooks) and 3 strong leads to a short story.  Example of weak lead: “One day Billy got up and went to his dresser to get his clothes…”  Example of strong lead: “Jason lay on the cold tiled floor, blood surrounding him, waiting for the others to return…” * Share your hooks with the class!

8.  Rising Action: consists of a series of events which build up to the climax.  This includes the CONFLICT (the opposition of forces) which culminates in the climax. The conflict can be internal or external.

9. A) B)

10.  Climax: Highest point of interest, emotion and/or tension; turning point of story.  Falling Action/ Resolution: plot comes to a final resolution or denouement; loose ends are tied up and outstanding questions are answered

11.  Theme: The basis idea that inspired the work; the truth about human life that the author wishes to reveal, explore, or present.  The short story is normally built around one main theme although minor themes may be present.

12.  Why do some stories truly effect us while others leave you with the feeling of, “What was the point?”  To make a short story effective, keep the following in mind:  1. Have a clear theme This means: what is the underlying message or statement behind the words? Get this right and your story will have some resonance in the minds of your readers.

13.  2. An effective story covers a very short time span (a day, hours, minutes, an event, etc).  It should be one single event that proves pivotal in the life of the character, and that even illustrates the theme.

14.  3. Don’t have too many characters!  Each new character will bring a new dimension to the story, and for an effective short story too many diverse dimensions (or directions) will dilute the theme.

15.  4. Make every word count!  There is no room for unnecessary expansion in a short story. If each word is not working towards getting your message/theme across, delete it.

16.  5. Focus  The best stories are ones that follow a narrow subject line.  What is the point of your story? The point is the theme. It’s tempting to digress, but in a ‘short’ you have to follow the straight and narrow otherwise you end up with either a novel beginning or a hodgepodge of ideas that add up to nothing.

17.  6. Do not fall into the, “and then….and then…and then…” TRAP!!!  Remember, use different transitions to tell your story: “Later that day…”, “Hours passed…”, “Moments later…”, etc.

18.  Before writing your own short story, consider the following:  1. What is my theme?  2. What is the plot? (How will I get my theme across?) Don’t forget: Introduction/Rising Action/Climax/Falling Action/Resolution  3. What is the conflict?  4. P.O.V. Will my story be told from a 1 st person perspective? 3 rd person?  5. What hook will I use to grab my readers’ attention from the start?  6. Who is my main character (protagonist)? What does he/she look like? How old is he/she? What is he/she like? *Graphic organizers will be provided for you to take notes on these points.