SHORT STORIES WHAT IS A SHORT STORY A

SHORT STORIES

WHAT IS A SHORT STORY? • A short story is a piece of fiction that has a limited number of words, only a few characters and one theme.

EXAMPLE OF A SHORT STORY The Tortoise and the Hare The Hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. "I have never yet been beaten, " said he, "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me. " The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge. " "That is a good joke, " said the Hare; "I could dance round you all the way. " "Keep your boasting till you've won, " answered the Tortoise. "Shall we race? " So a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning-post and could not run up in time to save the race.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SHORT STORIES Character • A character is a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a short story or other literary work.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SHORT STORIES Setting • The setting of a short story is the time and place in which it happens. Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SHORT STORIES Plot • A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SHORT STORIES Conflict • The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a short story. The main character is usually on one side of the central conflict.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SHORT STORIES Theme • The theme is the central idea or belief in a short story.