Introduction to Short Stories Plot triangles literary terms

Introduction to Short Stories Plot triangles, literary terms and reading strategies

What is a plot triangle? l A plot triangle shows the typical progression of events in a story. l There are five parts of a plot triangle: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. l Also known as Freytag’s Pyramid

Freytag’s Pyramid (Plot Triangle) Climax Rising Action Exposition Falling Action Resolution

l Exposition (introduction): The beginning of a story that introduces characters, setting and conflict. l Rising Action: Conflict is established and intensifies. l Climax: Highest point of action in story or turning point in the story. l Falling Action: Conflict is in process of being resolved; all action following climax l Resolution: Conflict is resolved and “loose ends” are tied up.

Assignment l Choose a fairy tale: “Little Red Riding Hood, ” “Three Little Pigs” or “Hansel and Gretel. ” l As a group, retell the story. l Create a plot triangle for your group’s fairy tale.

Literary Terms Definitions and Examples

l. Setting l The time and place a story takes place l Example: Titanic takes place on a ship in the North Atlantic in April 1912.

l. Simile l A comparison of two unlike objects using like or as. l Example: The water hit me like a bull running at full speed.

l. Metaphor l A direct comparison of two unlike objects. l Example: The sun is a bright yellow beach ball floating in the sky.

l. Personification l Giving a non-human object human characteristics. l Example: The tree limbs waved hello to me from the distance.

l. Protagonist l The main character of the story (not always the good guy) l Example: The protagonist of Titanic is Jack.

l. Antagonist l The character who causes problems or opposes the main character (not always the bad guy) l Example: The antagonist of Titanic is Rose’s fiancé Cal.

l. Conflict l A struggle or clash between opposing characters or opposing forces. l Example: Two students arguing over who is right.

Two types of conflict l Internal Conflict l External Conflict l A struggle within the mind of a character. Person vs. himself l Example: A character cannot decide whether to. skip school or go to class. l A struggle with an outside opposing force. Person vs. person, person vs. nature, person vs. society

l. Alliteration l Repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close together in a passage or poem. l Example: The beautiful baby boy waved bye-bye to his brother.

l. Onomatopoeia l A word whose sound imitates its meaning. l Examples: The bee buzzed my ear. l The thud of the book landing on the carpet scared me.

l. Theme l Central idea of a work or literature (moral of the story) l Example: The theme of Titanic is to follow your heart no matter if others agree with your decision.

l. Hyperbole l A gross or extreme exaggeration of a truth to show strong emotion or for humor. l Example: When my mom saw my report card, she was so mad I thought her head would explode.

l. Foreshadowing l Hints and clues to events that will happen later in the story. l In Titanic, Jack and Rose meet when he saves her from jumping to her death which foreshadows Jack rescuing Rose in the end.

l. Pun l A play on words using 1. Two words that sound the same but have different meanings. 2. A word with more than one meaning.

Character l Round Character has l Static Character stays many characteristics. the same throughout (76) the story. (97) l Flat Character has l Dynamic Character very few changes ideals, characteristics and morals or values by the audience does not the end of the story. get to know him/her. (98) (39)