Introduction to Short StoriesUNIT 1
What is a Short Story?
Brief work of fictionMain character faces
a central conflict
1. ProtagonistMain character Changes due to experiences in the
storyName one protagonist from a book or
story you read last year
2. Antagonist Major character who opposes the protagonist
Does not change 3 Types:
peoplenaturesociety
3. Conflict A struggle between two opposing forces 2 Types:
Internal – within character’s mind (man vs. self) External – character against outside force
Man vs. ManMan vs. NatureMan vs. Society
4. PlotSeries of events that make up the story
5. ThemeThe central message or insight into
life
6. Foreshadowing Clues writer uses to show
what’s to come
7. IronyA contrast between expectation
and reality 3 types: Verbal, Situational, Dramatic
Which one? Calling a clumsy basketball player “Michael Jordan”
8. SuspenseUncertainty or anxiety the reader feels
about what is going to happen next in a story.
What can cause anxiety in a story?
Edgar Allan Poe Born in Boston, MA in 1809 Mother died when he was only 2; father left the
family Foster mother died shortly after Poe found delirious on the streets in 1849 Last words said to be, “Lord help my poor soul” Famous Works: The Cask of Amontillado, The
Raven, The Fall of the House of Usher
“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
Has anyone ever done anything to you that made you want to get revenge on that person? What did they do? How did you seek revenge?
How did seeking that revenge make you feel? Why?