Elements of Short Stories

Short Story

• A genre of literature

• A brief work of fiction

• Short story titles should be capitalized correctly (first word, last words, & important words in the middle)

• Should be put in quotations

Elements of Short Stories

• Characters

• Conflict

• Plot

• Setting

• Point of View

• Theme

Characters

• People or animals in a story

• Direct Characterization– The author describes a character– Directly tells reader something about him/her

• Indirect Characterization– Author reveals the character through speech

and actions

Conflict

• Problem(s) the characters face

• External– Struggle between a character and an outside

force

• Internal– Takes place within a character’s mind

Plot

• The sequence of events

• Exposition

• Rising Action (introduces conflict & builds suspense, often through foreshadowing)

• Climax

• Falling Action

• Resolution

Setting

• Time & place of the action, including– Historical period– Physical location– Season of year/time of day– Climate/weather– Culture & social systems & traditions

Point of View

• The perspective from which a short story is told, or narrated

• Affects the kinds of information readers receive

Point of View (POV)

• First-Person POV: the narrator is a character in the story; readers learn only what that character knows, thinks, or feels

• Third-Person POV: the narrator is not a character but a voice outside the story; may be omniscient or limited– 3rd Person Omniscient: narrator relates the

inner thoughts and feelings of all characters– 3rd Person Limited: narrator reveals the

thoughts and feelings of only one character

POV

Example: Points of ViewFirst PersonI could hear the footsteps, but I couldn’t see a thing. Where was the light switch?

Third PersonTed heard someone approaching but in the darkness, he had no idea it was a burglar.

Theme

• The interaction of key story elements reveals the theme of a story.

• In the best short stories, story elements interact to convey a meaningful theme, or message about life or human nature.

Theme

• A central message or insight

• Stated themes are expressed directly.

• Implied themes are suggested by the author.

• Universal themes recur in different cultures and time periods

• Usually general statements about life (see anchor chart)

Theme

• The theme is the lesson or message that the writer wants to get across in his or her story.

• Usually theme is a statement about life or the way the world works. People apply these lessons or ideas to their own lives.

Theme

• Usually NOT directly stated

• It develops over the course of the story through characters, conflict, and plot.

• Readers must infer the theme by analyzing clues and thinking about how they add up to a central message.

How do I find the theme in a story?

• To find the theme, ask yourself, • What lesson did the main character in the story

learn or fail to learn? • Other questions to ask yourself:

What is the moral of the story? What lesson is the author trying to teach? Which idea in the story can relate to everyday

life?

Common Themes

•The more you read, the more you will notice that some themes are used again and again. Here are some common themes:Too much pride can destroy a personCrime does not payTreat others the way you want to be treatedGoing through hard times can make a person strongerLove conquers all

Characters & Theme

• Sometimes characters actions tell us about the theme.

• Notice words, thoughts, and actions

• Characters motivations may contribute to theme.

• Dialogue (conversation) can help determine theme.

Narrator’s Observations Theme

Dee grinned at me as she left the stage. My shy, timid friend was standing tall and proud.

A friend can help you overcome fears and develop your potential.Dialogue

“I made it!” Dee shouted to Carla in the hall. “Thanks for talking me into trying out for the play!”

Conflict & Theme

External Conflict Possible Theme

Character vs. a force of nature

Humans should not underestimate the power of nature

Character vs. society Individuals must carve out their own paths in life.

Conflict & Theme

Internal Conflict Possible Theme

Character vs. his or her fears

People may be stronger than they realize.

Character facing a difficult decision

People should trust their instincts.

Plot & Theme

• Exposition & Rising Action: develop the focus of the story

• Climax (turning point): often reveals a shift that points to an underlying message

• Resolution: as the story winds down, the message, or theme, becomes clearer

Sequence of Events

• Chronological Order- order in which events happen

• Flashback-a scene from the past (interruption in the plot to tell about something that previously happened)

• Foreshadowing-clues that hint at events to come

P.O.V. & Theme

• The narrator’s POV is important because readers know only what the narrator knows or chooses to tell us.

• Use POV to determine theme by considering what message the narrator seems to think is important.

Setting & Theme

• The time and place can affect everything from the characters’ motivations to the central conflict.

• Therefore, it could have a strong influence on a story’s message, or theme.

Symbols & Theme

• Symbol-a person, place, or object that represents something else

• Ex. a dove is often a symbol for peace• Ex. the bald eagle is a symbol for America• Author’s use symbols to highlight or emphasize

key concepts.• Pay attention to objects that seem to represent

key ideas.• Understanding symbols can help you determine

a story’s theme.

Theme

SettingHow does the

setting influence theplot & characters?

Point of View How does the narrator’s

perspective shape events?

CharacterWhat is significant about

a character’s wordsand actions?

SymbolsDo any story elements

represent ideasgreater thanthemselves?

PlotWhat message is suggested by the story’s resolution?

ConflictHow does the main

Character change asa result of the conflict?

Close Read: Analyzing Story Elements

• Close Read: “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner

• Pg. 205-206