Identifying elements of short stories

Turning Points May 2017

Authors have the daunting task of trying to captivate an audience efficiently and powerfully.

Using the following elements, writers can create great and memorable stories.

1.SettingThe setting of a story is the time, place, and circumstances in which the story is taking place. Figurative and descriptive language helps construct the setting and the mood.

2.Plot

The plot of a short story usually has one problem that has to be solved. Some short stories begin in the middle of the action to capture the reader’s attention.

3.Conflict

Conflict helps move the story along and makes things interesting. Remember the three types of conflict:

1. Man vs. Self2. Man vs. Man3. Man vs.

Society/Nature

4.SuspenseWhen the author creates anxiety or uncertainty about the outcome of the story.

5.Characters

Short stories usually have a limited number of characters, as their personalities must be established quickly. Distinctive dialogue (i.e. regional dialects, sayings) and effective word choice can bring the characters to life.

6.ThemeThe theme is the main idea or message of a story. The best short stories have something to teach us about ourselves, our relationships, or our world.

7.Point of ViewWho is telling the story?This question defines a story’s point of view. The point of view helps the author set the tone for the short story.

Refer to pg. 151 in Nelson Literacy

Don

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.. Elements of Style:Dialogue is the conversation between characters in a story, script, or novel.

Good dialogue can:

● Draw a reader into the story

● Move the action along● Reveal character● Create conflict

Revealing Character:Authors can reveal information about a character through

● Physical description● The character’s actions● The character’s words● The character’s inner

thoughts● What other characters

say and think about a character