Elements of the Short Story

1. Elements of the Short Story

2. CHARACTER • The plot can only exist with character(s). • The main character is placed in a situation that contains a problem he must overcome: therefore, conflict exists.

3. CHARACTER • Most stories also have minor characters who either help or hinder the main character's attempt to solve his problem. • When examining character, we must always look at his/her motivation. What makes him/her behave this way?

4. CHARACTER • Characteristics: internal qualities about a person that does not readily change. • Examples: Human qualities such as bravery, jealousy, cool-headedness in emergencies, leadership, cowardice, gentleness, cruelty

5. CHARACTER • Antagonist – the person or thing in a story fighting against the main character or protagonist. • Protagonist – the main character in the story. The story is usually told from this person’s point of view.

6. CHARACTER Antagonist: Voldemort Protagonist: Harry Potter

7. CHARACTER Protagonist: Batman Antagonist: The Joker

8. CHARACTER Protagonist: SAD/SOG operative Alex Mason Antagonist: Nikita Dragovich

9. Characters are...1.  Individual - round, many sided and complex personalities. 2.  Developing - dynamic,  many sided personalities that change, for better or worse, by the end of the story. 3.  Static - Stereotype, have one or two characteristics that never change and are emphasized e.g. brilliant detective, drunk, scrooge, cruel stepmother, etc.

10. SETTING • The time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting.  For some stories the setting is very important, while for others it is not.  There are several aspects of a story's setting to consider when examining how setting contributes to a story (some, or all, may be present in a story): • place- geographical location.  Where is the action of the story taking place? • time- When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) • weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? • social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local colour (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)? • mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story?  Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?

11. The introduction has four functions: • It gives the story a setting(when and where the action occurs) • It introduces the characters • It establishes the atmosphere (dramatic, humorous, tragic, suspenseful) • It creates interest and suspense • It is helpful to consider climax as a three-fold phenomenon:  • the main character receives new information • accepts this information (realizes it but does not necessarily agree with it) • acts on this information (makes a choice that will determine whether or not he/she gains his objective).

12. CONFLICT • Conflict is essential to plot.  Aproblem or struggle in a story that the main character has to solve or face. There are two types of conflict: • External - A struggle with a force outside one's self. • Internal - A struggle within one's self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, quiet their temper, resist an urge, etc.

13. THEME • The theme is the general subject matter. It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that he is trying to convey. THE MAIN IDEA  Not the moral, but may relate to a moral. Summed up in one or two words.

14. The three steps to determining the theme are: • Determine the specific CONFLICT. • Decide what each side of the conflict represents. • How is conflict resolved? Who wins and who loses? • Some simple examples of common themes from literature, TV, and film are: • Things are not always as they appear to be • Love is blind • Believe in yourself • People are afraid of change • Don't judge a book by its cover