Elements of a Short Story The Structure Overview

Overview • A short story can be simple or complex. All short stories have

Group Activity 1. In 3 – 5 minutes write down the most important things

Setting • Where and when does the story take place? Some stories have multiple

Introduction Review • During the exposition characters (main ones) reveal themselves. - We learn

Conflict There are 3 Types of Conflict: 1. Man vs. Man (Man meaning Mankind

Stakes • What will the protagonist win or lose? What is at stake in

Rising Action • A series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension

Climax • The Turing Point in the Story, Book, or Movie. • Usually the

Falling Action • The aftermath or results of the climax. • Character reactions. •

Resolution or Denouement • The problem or conflict is ‘usually’ resolved. • A new

Important Definitions: HAVE THESE • • Introduction/Exposition Conflict Stakes Rising Action Plot Protagonist/Antagonist Falling

Handout and Assignment • Each of you will have been given a plot diagram

Avengers End Game • For the next couple days we will be watching Avengers

Slides: 15

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Elements of a Short Story The Structure

Overview • A short story can be simple or complex. All short stories have the following: - Setting - Conflict - Point of View - Plot - Character

Short Story Structure

Group Activity 1. In 3 – 5 minutes write down the most important things about you. If you are meeting someone, what should they know about you? 2. Use those important things to introduce yourself to your group. Each person must introduce and must use what they have written. 3. How many of the things your group used to introduce themselves involved how they look or beliefs, setting (where they are from or are now), goals (things they want to accomplish), what motivates them (why they are here or what they want to do)?

Setting • Where and when does the story take place? Some stories have multiple settings and therefore have primary or secondary settings.

Introduction Review • During the exposition characters (main ones) reveal themselves. - We learn about the protagonist Their motivations? - We learn about the antagonist We Learn about the setting, about, the background of the characters. The Introduction gives us a lot of information

Conflict There are 3 Types of Conflict: 1. Man vs. Man (Man meaning Mankind it can also be a woman) 2. Man vs. Nature (Like a natural disaster) 3. Man vs. Himself or Herself (Internal battle) 4. Man vs. Society (Social judgments)

Stakes • What will the protagonist win or lose? What is at stake in their conflict? (Love, Health, Freedom, Happiness, Opportunity, Sanity, Money, Pride, Family, Career) There are many others. Ask yourself, what is could be lost in this conflict?

Rising Action • A series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension in the plot (the main events of a play, novel, or movie). It includes all decisions, character flaws, and background circumstances that lead towards the climax.

Climax • The Turing Point in the Story, Book, or Movie. • Usually the Protagonist must make a critical decision that alters the future. • This is the point where a battle is won or lost and a resolution (good or bad) to the conflict is made clear.

Falling Action • The aftermath or results of the climax. • Character reactions. • Final brief conflict. • Mysteries are solved. • Loose ends are tied up.

Resolution or Denouement • The problem or conflict is ‘usually’ resolved. • A new normal is now in place (changes occur).

Important Definitions: HAVE THESE • • Introduction/Exposition Conflict Stakes Rising Action Plot Protagonist/Antagonist Falling Action

Handout and Assignment • Each of you will have been given a plot diagram handout. It has a number of spaces to be filled in, but for this assignment you will pick only the most important parts and fill them in.

Avengers End Game • For the next couple days we will be watching Avengers End game. You must fill out your story handout while watching the movie. You will each be conferencing with me (showing me your handout) after. • You do not need to fill out parts we have not studied yet (Theme for example)