SHORT STORY SHORT STORY ELEMENTSELEMENTS

1.Setting1.Setting the place and TIME of the action of the place and TIME of the action of

the story the story

2.Plot2.Plot series of events in a story series of events in a story

3.External conflict3.External conflict struggle of man vs. man, struggle of man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. machine,man vs. nature, man vs. machine, or man vs. society or man vs. society

4.internal conflict4.internal conflict is always man vs. himself-(man is always man vs. himself-(man

struggles mentally with opposing struggles mentally with opposing needs, desires, and emotions) needs, desires, and emotions)

5.protagonist5.protagonist the main characterthe main character

6.antagonist6.antagonist character or force that comes character or force that comes

into contact with or against the into contact with or against the protagonist protagonist

7.exposition7.exposition the basic situation –background of the storythe basic situation –background of the story 8.Rising Action-8.Rising Action- where the conflict where the conflict

intensifiesintensifies 9.Climax9.Climax the turning point in the story that affects the the turning point in the story that affects the

outcome of the storyoutcome of the story 10.falling action10.falling action the part directly after the climax that gives the part directly after the climax that gives

explanation and is followed by the resolutionexplanation and is followed by the resolution

11.resolution11.resolution occurs when all of the conflicts occurs when all of the conflicts are resolvedare resolved

Plot at a Glance

climax

falling action

rising action

resolution

exposition

12.imagery12.imagery when a writer appeals to the reader’s when a writer appeals to the reader’s

senses (smell, sight, taste, sound, touch) senses (smell, sight, taste, sound, touch)

13.irony-13.irony-the difference between what is expected and reality in a negative way

14.dramatic irony14.dramatic irony when the reader knows when the reader knows something in the story that something in the story that the other characters don’t knowthe other characters don’t know

15.foreshadowing15.foreshadowing The use of clues that hint at The use of clues that hint at

what is going to happen later what is going to happen later

in the storyin the story

16.tone16.tone attitude a writer takes attitude a writer takes

toward a reader, subject, toward a reader, subject,

or character or character

17.motivation17.motivation person’s reasons for doing person’s reasons for doing something or feeling a certainsomething or feeling a certainwayway

18.mood18.mood The atmosphere created by a The atmosphere created by a

literary workliterary work

19.Flat character19.Flat character is not fully developed; we know only is not fully developed; we know only

one one side of the character. side of the character.

20.Static Character- 20.Static Character- This character This character does not change throughout the story.does not change throughout the story.

21.Round character21.Round character is fully-developed, with many traits--is fully-developed, with many traits--

bad and good--shown in the story. bad and good--shown in the story.

22.Dynamic character- 22.Dynamic character- This This character changes.character changes.

23. in media res23. in media res (means in the middle of things)-(means in the middle of things)-

when an author begins in the when an author begins in the middle of the story and fills in the middle of the story and fills in the background laterbackground later

24.point of view24.point of view the perspective of whoever is telling the the perspective of whoever is telling the

story story Point of view types:Point of view types: First personFirst person - uses "I - uses "I Second personSecond person - uses "you" - The - uses "you" - The author author

speaks directly to the reader(speaks directly to the reader(rarely used rarely used today)today)

Third personThird person - uses "he," "she," or "it" - uses "he," "she," or "it" Limited omniscientLimited omniscient (type of 3rd (type of 3rd

person)- We are told the thoughts and person)- We are told the thoughts and feelings of only one characterfeelings of only one character

OmniscientOmniscient – (type of 3rd person)We are – (type of 3rd person)We are told everything about the story, including told everything about the story, including the thoughts and feelings of all the the thoughts and feelings of all the characterscharacters

25.diction25.diction An author's choice of wordsAn author's choice of words 26.symbolism26.symbolism A device in literature where an A device in literature where an

object represents an idea. (Ex: object represents an idea. (Ex: Neo in the Matrix represents a Neo in the Matrix represents a Christ-like figure.)Christ-like figure.)

27.flashback27.flashback A reference to an event which A reference to an event which

took place prior to the beginning took place prior to the beginning of a story or play of a story or play

27. ThemeIn literature, theme is a perception about life or human nature that the writer wants to share with the reader. Sometimes, it is a lesson or moral.

In most cases, the theme is not stated directly but must be inferred.

Themes can be revealed by

- a story’s title

- key phrases and statements about big ideas

- the ways the characters change and the lessons they learn about life.

Examples of Themes in Literature

•Greed is the Root of all Evil•Love conquers all•Carpe Diem (seize the day)•Trust Yourself•The Power of Nature