Elements of a Short Story
Definition of a Short Story Tells about a single event or experience Fictional (not true) 500 to 29,999 words in length It has a beginning, middle, and end Includes all of the parts of plot: introduction, conflict, rising action (complications), climax and resolution
Elements of a Short Story Setting Characterization Plot Conflict Climax Resolution Theme Point of view
Short Story Vocabulary Protagonist: -the hero (the character we follow, the main character ) -leader of a cause -usually the good guy, but not always -EXAMPLE: Batman, Scarlet O Hara
Examples of Protagonists
Short Story Vocabulary Antagonist: -the opposing force -usually the bad guy, but not always -Joker, Melanie Wilks
Examples of the protagonist
Protagonist and Antagonist Quiz Film Protagonist Antagonist Cinderella Cinderella Lion King The Little Mermaid Jack and the Beanstalk Ariel Scar Giant
Protagonist and Antagonist Quiz Film Protagonist Antagonist Cinderella Cinderella Stepmother Lion King Simba Scar The Little Mermaid Jack and the Beanstalk Ariel Jack Ursula Giant
Short Story Vocabulary Characterization: is how we learn about a character We learn about them through: -How they look -How they act/what they do -What they say -How other characters respond to them and feel about them
Short Story Vocabulary Direct Characterization- when the narrator tells you directly about a character- Molly is a brat. Indirect Characterization- shows you a character s traits through their actions or dialogue- Molly came into the kitchen and slammed down her backpack and said, I don t care what you say. YOU are NOT the boss of ME Mrs. Meany Pants! SHOW don t TELL- it is much more fun!!!
Short Story Vocabulary Setting:Tells the reader where and when the story takes place. You need to identify the people, places, times and objects involved. Use sensory details and figurative language to create a vivid picture with your words.
The time and place of the story is the setting
Short Story Vocabulary Plot: A series of events through which the writer reveals what is happening, to whom, and why. Parts of Plot: introduction, conflict, rising action (complications), climax and resolution
Short Story Vocabulary Conflict: Is the problem in the story that needs to be resolved. In a short story this will not be too complex.
Great stories have an intriguing Man vs. Nature conflict Man vs. Society Man vs. Man Man vs. Machine Man vs. Himself
Short Story Vocabulary Climax: When the action comes to its highest point of conflict and usually when the story can go either way
The climax is the most exciting part!!
Short Story Vocabulary Resolution: The story s action after the climax until the end of the story. The conclusion of the story.
Short Story Vocabulary Theme: The message the writer intends to communicate by telling the story
Short Story Vocabulary Point of view: The position of the narrator of the story and what the writer sees from that vantage point Choose: 1 st Person, 3 rd Person Limited or 3 rd Person Omniscient
The point of view is the perspective of the story That rotten wolf tried to eat us!!!! I was framed! I just wanted to borrow a cup of sugar!
How To Use Quotation Marks: 1.Quotation marks enclose the words used by a speaker or writer. 2.Periods and commas go inside the closing quotation mark. 3.A comma is used to set off a quote from the rest of the sentence. Example: Come here, said Marie. (comma inside) Example: Marie said, Come here. (comma used to set off direct quote, period inside) Example: Come here, said Marie, I am waiting for you.
4.Question marks and exclamation points go inside the closing quotation marks when they apply to the quoted words. Example: Won t you come over? asked Marie. (question mark inside) Example: Did you hear me ask, Won t you come over? Example: Come over here now! Marie exclaimed. (exclamation point inside)
5.You must indent when someone new begins to speak Example: Fausto looked at the bill and knew he was in trouble. Not with these nice folks or with his parents, but with himself. How could he have been so deceitful? The dog wasn t lost. It was just having a fun Saturday walking around. I can t take that. You have to. You deserve it, believe me, the man said. No, I don t. Now don t be silly, said the lady. She took the bill from her husband and stuffed it into Fausto s shirt pocket. You re a lovely child. Your parents are lucky to have you. Be good and come see us again, please.
Let s Practice: What happened to you asked Melissa I slipped and sprained my ankle responded Nina Melissa asked how did you sprain your ankle
Let s Practice: What happened to you? asked Melissa. I slipped and sprained my ankle, responded Nina. Melissa asked, How did you sprain your ankle?
Let s Practice: It was my new spiked-heel shoes said Nina I warned you about those things said Melissa But, they look so cute on me Nina exclaimed
Let s Practice: It was my new spiked-heel shoes, said Nina. I warned you about those things, said Melissa. But, they look so cute on me! Nina exclaimed.
Let s Practice: Mom he said I want a guitar for Christmas Did you hear me ask what is for dinner
Let s Practice: Mom, he said, I want a guitar for Christmas. Did you hear me ask, What is for dinner?
Whether you re the reader, or the writer, a great story includes all these literary elements!!! foreshadowing protagonist characters point of view conflict setting climax antagonist
Great writers are able to use the elements of the short story with such precision that the reader is caught up in the action of the story. This is a mark of a good story and our goal as a writer.
Your assignment: -Write a story based on one of the stories you were told during your interview. -Use all of the literary elements we have discussed. -It should be at least 500 words in length (250 words for students with shortened assignments). -It needs to have at least 5 lines of dialogue that are properly formatted with quotation marks and new paragraphs. -It should use descriptions using at least 4 of the 5 senses. -It should be submitted on utahcompose.com. -Use the plot diagram graphic organizer provided in class.