Unit I: The Short Story

Unit I: The Short Story An Introduction

Elements of a Short Story • There are 6 elements that make up a short story • Plot • Character • Setting • Conflict • Theme • Point of view

I. PLOT • The actual events that occur within a story • Think of plot as a roller coaster ride… • 3 ways in which the plot can be presented

Plot Diagram • _______: “exposed” introduction of characters and setting • _______: the struggle or problem within the story • _______: intensifies the conflict and leads to the climax • _______: the point of highest emotion, turning point of the story • _______: everything after the climax, leads to resolution • _______: the problem/ conflict is resolved, “solution”

Chronological: 1234 Flashback: event 3 happened, which reminds the reader of 1 &2 and then brings the reader back to 4 Overlapping: 1&2 happened to character “a,” 1 &2 happened to character “b,” 3 & 4 happened to character “a,” 3&4 happened to character “b” 3 Orders in which Plot is presented…

II. Character • Who is in the story: could be a person, an animal, trees that dance, etc. • We learn about characters through 2 main ways.

Direct - The narrator tells the reader about the character Ex. “Dave is a very smart boy, and he is a hard worker.” Indirect - Readers find out about the character’s personality traits through what they say, what others say about them (dialogue), and through their actions. Ex. Matty said, “Look at the attention Mr. Bentley gets, just because he is so small. I don’t understand why I don’t get all of the attention; I mean, I am way prettier than that little fox- looking nuisance. 2 Types of Characterization

Protagonist: main character of the story Not always a hero or a good guy, can be evil Antagonist: opposes (against) the protagonist 4 Types: static: remains the same Flat: reveals one personality trait Round: reveals multiple personality traits Dynamic: character changes throughout the story Characters continued…

III. Point of View • Who is the narrator?

3 Types: • 1st person uses I or ME; a character within the story…this character is involved in the action. **biased view because you only get that character’s opinion • 3rd person Limited uses HE, SHE, or THEY; not a character in the story and not involved in the action. “Limited view” of what happens, reader cannot get inside the characters’ heads. • 3rd person Omniscient uses HE, SHE, or THEY; not a character in the story and not involved in the action. Almost like a psychic because this type of character knows what goes on inside the characters’ heads.

IV. Setting • Where and when the story takes place

Cultural Setting Religion, morals, customs Historical Setting Does the story take place during a significant time in history? 2 Types

V. Conflict • The “issue” that occurs within the story. (the struggle or problem)

Internal Conflict Man vs. Self, a struggle within a person; usually a moral issue External Conflict Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society, Man vs. Man: The character struggles with something externally (outside himself) * Does not have to be a physical person, can be a force (nature) 2 Types of Conflict…

VI. Theme • The central message of the story. The point the author is trying to make.

THEME IS NEVER A SINGLE WORD!!!! • Example: The topic may be love, but the theme is, “Love will conquer all.”

Unit I: The Short Story