short story elements language arts 9. plot the storyline
TRANSCRIPT
Short Story ElementsLanguage Arts 9
Plot
• The storyline
Conflict
• CONFLICT is the struggle between opposing forces.
good vs. bad
light vs. dark
hero vs. villain
coke vs. pepsi
Types of Conflict:
• Internal:• Human vs. him/herself struggle occurs within the mind
• External: struggle against outside force• Human vs. human conflict between characters (old man vs. cat)• Human vs. nature struggle against nature (ex: time, weather, distance)• Human vs. supernatural struggle against supernatural forces (ex: ghosts, magic,
etc.)
*HUMAN is a fluid word here. It could mean non-human characters as well, depending on the story.
Characters: Protagonist
• Protagonist: the main character; the hero
Characters: Antagonist
• Antagonist: opposes (is against) the protagonist; the villain
Characters: Round
• Round characters have a complex personality.
Characters: Flat
• Flat characters have one kind of personality trait/characteristic
Characters: Dynamic
• Dynamic characters change over time.
• These characters learn, grow, and adapt.
Characters: Static
• Static characters do not change over time.
• These characters’ personalities mostly stay the same.
Characters: Stock
• Stock characters are stereotypes.
• Ex:• Mad scientist• Faithful sidekick• Evil stepmother• Grouchy old neighbor• Blond cheerleader
Setting
• The setting is where and when a story takes place.
• Settings can change throughout the plot of a story, and often, each unique setting has its own mood and tone.
• Ex: Place Time Mood/other factors
Egypt 2000 BCE Serious; difficult living conditions; little technology
Texas 1962 Tense; race relations
“Anytown” USA Current day, midnight, stormy
Dark tone; something “bad” might happen
High school cafeteria
lunch Upbeat; lots of noise; friendly; possible bullying
Setting: Mood, Tone, and Place
• Mood: Atmosphere created by author; evokes certain emotions• Ex: Hero riding off into the sunset with “the girl” – satisfaction, completion,
ease, calmness, positivity
• Tone: Writer’s attitude about subject or audience• Ex: Villains appear in black leather and have sharp features – the author wants
to use the symbolism of the darkness of clothing to represent personality (sharp features = severity)
• Place: Where and when the story takes place• Sets the stage for the rest of the plot. Can be considered a major part of the
plot.• Ex: How would “Family Guy” be different if they all had southern accents and
lived in the 80’s?
Theme
• The big idea or lesson in a story
• Ask yourself, “What is the story ABOUT?”
• Ask yourself, “What is the LESSON of the story?”
• Ask yourself, “Is there a MORAL to the story?
• Ex: love, friendship, death, growing up, war, crime, etc.
Finding Theme
• There are no RULES for finding the theme of a litereary work. But there are some general tips for finding “meaning in the mess”
Theme