Short Stories Important Concepts and Terms to Understand Ms. Paruk English 12
Frequently, short stories follow a narrative arc that begins with exposition/introduction. Typical Short Story Plot Structure Once the story's setting/characters/etc. have been established, the rising action begins. This is sometimes sparked by an inciting incident that requires the protagonist to act. The rising action builds to a climax. Within this part of the plot, there may be various plot devices used. We'll hear more about these in the coming slides. The climax is followed by a period of falling action and a final conclusion or ending.
Plot Devices Plot devices: elements introduced into the story in order to further, delay, resolve, or complicate the conflict Some major plot devices include: red herrings, MacGuffins, flashback, foreshadowing, deus ex machina
A red herring is an element of the plot that is introduced to mislead or distract the audience. These are common in works of mystery or suspense. Plot Devices: Red Herring
Plot Devices: MacGuffin A MacGuffin is an object or person that serves no other purpose but to further the plot. Usually, no clear explanation is given for why the MacGuffin exists. Examples: In Titanic, the Heart of the Ocean necklace In Monty Python and the Holy Grail...the Holy Grail In Lord of the Rings, the One Ring
Flashbacks: a device that takes the narrative back in time from its current temporal location Plot Devices: Flashback and Foreshadowing Foreshadowing: a device that hints at something that will occur later in the plot
Deus ex machina is the use of a person, object, event, etc. comes in and resolves a seemingly impossible situation. Plot Devices: deus ex machina The term means "god out of the machine," and comes from the use of a god-like character flown in by crane in ancient Greek tragedy.
First Person Subjective - The narrator is a character in the story. This is easily identifiable through the use of the word "I." Third Person Objective - In this case, the narrator operates like a camera and reveals what is seen, but not what the characters think. Points of View in Literature Third Person Omniscient - This is a story told from the point of view of the storyteller who knows all the facts. The narrator is all-seeing and reveals the thoughts and emotions of all characters. Third Person Limited Omniscient - Third person limited is when the narrator is an outsider who sees into the mind of one character.
Protagonist vs. Antagonist Round characters are complex and lifelike; readers should have a "well-rounded" understanding of them (ie. Marlin in Finding Nemo) Character Types Flat characters are simple and may lack realistic traits; may have only one or two defining features (ie. Dory in Finding Nemo) Static characters remain mostly the same over the course of the plot Dynamic characters change in one or more substantial ways over the course of the plot Character foil: when two characters, because they are placed in close proximity, highlight the differences between them (ie. Nick and Jay in The Great Gatsby)
In any work of fiction, characterization can be either DIRECT or INDIRECT. Characterization Direct characterization is when the reader is told explicitly what the character is like Indirect characterization is when the reader must infer from clues given (the character's thoughts, actions, words, etc.) what the character is like
Person vs. Self Types of Conflict in Literature Person vs. Person Person vs. Society Person vs. Enviroment/Nature Person vs. Machine/Technology Person vs. Fate
Because it's always good to have a refresher on this one... :) Theme in literature is the argument, general idea, or main point expressed by an author, and often takes the form of an observation about life or human nature. It may be implied or explicitly stated. It's what a story is "about." Theme Some common themes in Western literature: Love conquers all Persistence pays off Difficult experiences help people to grow Technology will eventually destroy society Individual freedoms are the key to happiness Good always prevails over evil