Elements of a Short Story

Parameters of a short story: much briefer than a novel and it has fewer characters and situations.

Characters and how we get to know them:

1. Through the author’s physical description of them

2. Their actions

3. Their words

4. Their inner thoughts

5. Through what other characters say and think about them

Plot – A pattern of events that develops from the interactions between characters.

A plot is a pattern of events in a cause and effect relationship.

1. Cause – Things that make something happen.

2. Effect – What happens because something was done.

Conflicts – The problems the characters encounter. Their conflicts can be:

1. External – conflict with others and with nature

2. Internal – conflict within themselves

Setting – Time and place of the story

Theme – The meaning behind the events and the characters’ actions.

Plot Outline:

1. Exposition: the background or introductory information that the reader must have in order to understand the story.

2. Rising Action – all of the events that take place leading up to the climax.

3. Climax – The turning point. Here the story is turned in a different direction, toward the conclusion, which is the wrapping up of the story.

4. Falling Action – The immediate reaction to the climax.

5. Denouement – The conclusion of the plot. Loose ends are tied up.