Describe yourself in DETAIL on a piece of paper!

Elements of a Short Story

Characters• Characters are the actors in a

story. They can be people, animals, or whatever the writer

chooses.

• The protagonist is the main character.

• The antagonist is the person in conflict with the main character.

Why are characters important?

1. There is no story without its characters.

Why are characters important?

2. Short story characters are important to help readers relate to the stories they read.

Think of your favourite TV show. Can you relate to any of those characters?

•WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RELATE TO CHARACTERS?

Why are characters important?

3. Characters are important to drive a plot, by providing the main source of action in a short story. Characters cannot be separated from action.

4. Short story characters help to provide perspective, giving readers a way of viewing the events within a short story.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CkCpx3CE2Q

Characters• Characters are the actors in a

story. They can be people, animals, or whatever the writer

chooses.

• The protagonist is the main character.

• The antagonist is the person in conflict with the main character.

Main Characters: The most important characters in a story

Minor Character: Interacts with main character. Has a lesser role in the story

- They help the plot move along

HOW DOES THE AUTHOR DEVELOP THE CHARACTERS?

• Direct Characterization—The writer tells readers directly what a character is like

. . . he was a simple, good-natured man; he was moreover a kind neighbor and an obedient, henpecked husband.

from “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

DialogueDialogue can reveal a lot about

characters. Pay attention not only to what characters say but also how they say it.

“Grandma what Big teeth you have?”

Indirect Characterization—The writer reveals characters’ traits through

• Appearance• Dialogue

• Private thoughts• Actions

Private Thoughts• Characters’ private thoughts can reveal what

they think, feel, want, or fear.

Actions• Characters’ actions—what they do and how

they do it—tell a great deal about them.

• The Hunter Saved the Granma and Little red riding hood. What does this show about the character?

Effects on OthersThe effect a character has on others also helps readers understand what the character is like.

Group Work!

• draw a large silhouette of Red Riding Hood• Each member of the group adds words or

short phrases that describe the main character, Red Riding Hood

• Present it to the class.

Building a Character• Character/Personality Traits!• Character traits are descriptions of an individuals

personality. • Ex:

• Religious• Honest• Loyal• Devoted• Loving

The Wolf

PHYSICAL TRAITS

• AGE• TYPE OF CHARACTER (human, alien, animal)

• HOW THE CHARACTER LOOKS LIKE

How does the wolf look like?

Behaviour/Feelings

• Explain their behaviour and actions

• Explain how they feel• What they like• What they don’t like• What is their goal? What do they want

PICK A CHARACTER