Elements of a Short Story
UNIT 1 (NOTES)
Elements of a Short Story
A short story is a brief work of fiction that takes the
reader on a quick, focused journey. There are six
elements:
• Characters
• Conflict
• Plot
• Setting
• Point of View
• Theme
Character(s)
Character(s) are the people or animals in a story:
• In direct characterization the author describes a
character
• In indirect characterization the author reveals
the character through speech and actions
Conflict
Conflict is the problem the characters face:
• An external conflict is a struggle between the
character and an outside force
• An internal conflict takes place within a
character’s mind
Plot
Plot is the sequence of events in a story:
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•
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Exposition introduces the situation
Rising action introduces the conflict
Climax is the turning point
Falling action is when the conflict eases
Resolution is the conclusion
Setting
Setting is the time and place of the action,
including:
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•
•
•
•
Historical period
Physical location
Season of year and time of day
Climate
Culture and social systems or traditions
Point of View (POV)
Point of View is the perspective from which the
story is told or narrated:
• First-person point of view, the narrator is a
character in the story
• Third-person point of view, the narrator is NOT a
character in the story, but a voice outside the
story. A third-person narrator may be either
omniscient (relates the inner thoughts and
feelings of all the characters) or limited (relates
the inner thoughts and feelings of only one
character)
Point of View (POV) continued…
Another difference among types of narrators is that
some narrators are:
• Objective Narrator is a neutral observer who
reports on story events without adding personal
comments
• Subjective Narrator however, participates in the
story and offers opinions about what takes place.
This type of narrator influences the way the
reader understands events and characters.
Theme
The interaction of key elements reveal the theme of
a story, meaningful insight about life or human
nature.
The theme is never stated. It develops over the
course of the story.
It has to be inferred, by analyzing story clues and
thinking how they add up to a central message or
insight.
Characters and Theme
To understand the theme notice the characters action,
words, and feelings.
Character’s motivation and dialogue contribute to the
theme.
Narrator’s Observation
Dee grinned at me as she left
the stage. My shy, timid friend
was standing tall and proud.
Dialogue
“I made it,” Dee shouted to
Carla in the hall. “Thanks for
talking me into trying out for
the play!”
Theme
A friend can help you overcome fears and develop your
potential.
Conflict and Theme
The conflict or the struggle in a story is between
opposing forces, external or internal. Examples;
External Conflict
Character vs. a force of nature
Character vs. society
Possible Theme
Humans should not
underestimate the power of
nature.
Individuals must carve out their
own path in life.
Internal Conflict
Possible Theme
Character vs. his or her own fears People may be stronger than they
realize.
Character facing a difficult
decision
People should trust their
instincts.
Plot and Theme
Events in the story help develop the theme.
The exposition and rising action develop the ficus
of the story.
The climax reveals the shift that points to an
underlying message.
The resolution makes the message clearer.
Remember the events might not be in chronological
order…
Flashback and foreshadowing!
Point of View and Theme
The narrator’s point of view is crucial to the
message in the story because readers know only
what the narrator knows or chooses to tell.
Always use the point of view to help you determine
the theme:
Who is telling the story?
What does the narrator seem to think is important?
Setting and Theme
The place and time in which a story occurs can
effect everything, from the character’s motivations
to the central conflict.
Symbols and Theme
A symbol is a person, a place, or an object that
represents something else.
For example;
Dove is a symbol of peace