Elements of a Short Story CREATED BY ALEXA

Elements of a Short Story CREATED BY ALEXA HUMBERT

Basic Definition �Dictionary. com defines the term “short story” as “a prose narrative of length shorter than a novel, esp. one that concentrates on a single theme. ”

Elements of Short Stories Short stories contain a number of important elements. These elements work together to help create a meaning for the audience (reader). �Characters �Plot Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action Resolution �Setting �Theme

Characters are the representations of people/beings in a given work. Examples: Harry Potter, Clark Kent, Goofy Although characters can be representations of people, they can also represent other beings. � Types of characters: People � Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) Animals � Aslan (Chronicles of Narnia) Imaginary beings � Edward Cullen (Twilight Series)

Plot The plot of a short story is comprised of “events” that make up the story. We construct a plot diagram to help distinguish the various elements that make up plot. Click on the hyperlinks for an overview of each component. Climax ion act Ris ion act ing ling Fal Resolution Exposition Go to Setting

Exposition The exposition of a plot is the start of the story. Readers find out information about characters, relationships, and conflicts in this section. Think of this section as the building blocks for the story. Much of the important information for the story can be located here. Go Back

Rising Action �The rising action in a short story consists of a series of events that builds up to the moment of greatest intensity. �Think of this as the time spent developing the characters and conflicts. Go Back

Climax �The highest point in the story is called the climax. This is the point of greatest intensity and emotion or suspense. Another perspective: Think of climax as the moment that has you on the edge of your seat. Go Back http: //finalexamhelp. weebly. com/climax. html

Falling Action �The series of events following the highest moment of intensity in the story. �Think of this portion of the story as a leisurely walk down a hill after you ran up the other side. Go Back

Resolution �After the falling action in a story, the reader will come to the resolution. �This component of short stories consists of wrapping the loose ends. �Think of this as closure for the story. �Also known as denouement. Go Back

Setting According to the Encyclopedia Britannica online, setting refers to “the location and time frame in which the action of a narrative takes place. ” Location http: //www. lib. utexas. edu/maps/world. html, http: //thewordthoughtsblogspot. com/2011/08/time. html Time

Theme �When you read a short story, the central message or idea that you find is called theme. �In literature, you will find that there are universal themes that exist across time, culture, and location. Ex: In the story about the little boy who cried wolf, theme could be that honesty is the best policy.

Works Consulted "Setting (literary Device). " Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 05 June 2012. <http: //www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/5 36301/setting>. "Short Story. " Dictionary. com. Web. 31 May 2012. <http: //dictionary. reference. com/browse/Short Story? s=t>.