Short Story ElementsMr. Geerlings – ENG2D

Literary Devices

Elements

Short Story

Short Story:The Success Equation

By name alone, they are a ‘brief tale’

Although short, it does not mean that such stories do not hold impact

Video: Seconds

Short Story

A short story is a closely-knit, concise narrative meant to be read in a single sitting

Much like a one-act play, these tales centre on a short snapshot of the character’s life

Every short story follows a similar narrative trajectory

Short Story:Defined

Every short story is comprised of a similar structure that contains 6 essential elements

Often written in narrative prose, but can be communicated in other ways (poem, video)

Depicts few characters and concentrates on creating a single mood

One of the oldest forms of narrative

Short Story:Defined

The Open Doors:Short Story

Characters Setting Conflict

Point of View

Plot (outline) Theme

Short Story:Elements

Without characters there is no story!

Often the chief aim of an author is to reveal something about human nature, thus their characters are essential in this process

The process by which the writer reveals the personality of the character is called characterization

Short Story Elements:Character

There are two essential characters:◦ Protagonist – Main character◦ Antagonist – The adversary of the main character

Short Story Elements:Character

Direct Characterization

• Author tells the reader what the personality of the reader is

• Does not apply to adaptations like plays and film

• Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.”

Indirect Characterization

• Author describes things that reveal the personality of the character

• This can be achieve through 5 different methods: 1) Summary of Features 2) Mannerisms 3) Dialogue 4) Actions 5) Setting

Short Story Elements:Character

Setting is the backdrop of the story itself It is comprised of three main features

Short Story Elements:Setting

Mood/Atmosphere

Place

Time

Short Story Elements:Setting 3 Features of Setting:

◦Time: Present day, ancient times, or the future

◦Place: Neighborhood, city, country, universe

◦Mood: The feelings and emotions that permeate

the story – i.e., gloom, decay, hope, mystery

All about description… "The walls were made of dark stone, dimly

lit by torches. Empty benches rose on either side of him, but ahead, in the highest benches of all, were many shadowy figures. They had been talking in low voices, but as the heavy door swung closed behind Harry an ominous silence fell."

Short Story Elements:Setting

All about description… The heavenly aroma of garlic, basil, and

oregano mixed with the unmistakable yeasty scent of fresh bread and wafted on the cool air that blew in her face when she opened the door. Anne’s salivary glands kicked into overdrive and her stomach growled. She really needed to stop skipping lunch.”

Short Story Elements:Setting

No story can exist without conflict, otherwise it would be incredibly boring to read

Conflict can be classified as either internal or external

Short Story Elements:Conflict

Short Story Elements:Conflict

External

Man vs Man

Man vs Nature

Internal

Man vs Self

Short Story Elements:Conflict

Short Story Elements:Conflict

Short Story Elements:Conflict

The perspective through which the story is being told

Always ask, whose feelings and thoughts are being conveyed?

For now, know that there are two main POVs:◦ 1st Person◦ 3rd Person

Short Story Elements:Point of View

All elements of a short story are important, but plot is the most important if we are to have a story at all!

Plot is the foundation upon which all the other elements of the story rest

Plot framework for short stories follows a similar outline

Short Story Elements:Plot

This similar pattern can be represented by the plot outline:

Short Story Elements:Plot

Exposition

Inciting Incident

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Denouement

Easily the hardest component to dissect in a short story, but by far the most important

Theme: Life lesson, meaning, moral, or message about life or human nature that is communicated by a literary work

In other words…◦ Theme is what the story teaches readers◦ What the writer wishes to convey about the subject

Short Story Elements:Theme

Little Red Riding Hood◦ Don’t talk to strangers

Spiderman (The Movie)◦ With great power comes great responsibility

Three Little Pigs◦ Hard work will pay off in the end

Star Wars◦ Nature is superior to technology

Short Story Elements:Theme

How to identify the theme:1. Create a quick plot outline2. Identify the subject of the story (i.e.,

gangs)3. Identify the insight or truth that was

learned about the subject How did the protagonist change? What did they learn?

4. Generalize this into one sentence, describing the message the author has regarding the subject

5. THAT sentence is your theme

Short Story Elements:Theme