Elements of the Short Story

A short story develops around the plot. The term "plot" refers to the systematic chain of events which make up the short story. Each link in this chain helps to build suspense and to solve a problem. The main character is presented with a situation which presents a problem or conflict which he must resolve. The largest part of the story will deal with the main character’s struggle to resolve this problem or conflict.

plot: the plan, or main story of a short story, novel, play, poem, etc.

- always the product of conflict

conflict: a situation in which a struggle must take place (a struggle between two opposing forces)

            - external- main character fights something outside (character vs. nature or character vs. society)

            - internal- main character battles against own emotions

            - interpersonal- two characters are in conflict with each other (character vs. character)

Three (3) phases of the plot: 

1. Rising action: includes the  introduction (exposition) where the setting, characters, and situation are given, and the conflict and complication of the conflict, where suspense builds up.

2. Climax: turning point (the highest point of suspense)

3. Resolution: falling action

A person in a short story is called a Character. The person around whom the conflict revolves is called the Main Character.

Character Development: is the change in the person from the beginning to the ending of a story. The way of showing what a character is like: The way that person looks, talks, acts or thinks is termed Characterization.

Direct characterization: The author tells the reader information about characters directly: Sarah was tall and had red hair.

Indirect characterization: The author shows the character in action and lets readers make their own interpretations: Each time Sarah entered the room she would have to duck, so that her wild auburn locks barely skimmed the top of the door frame. 

We say the person who changes in personality or attitude is Dynamic or Round. Those that remain the same are referred to as Static or Flat.

Ebenezer Scrooge is Dynamic (his personality changes) while Cinderella is Static (her personality stays the same).

Setting: or the time, place, and circumstance of the action in a short story has a definite impact on the character development and plot. The setting of the short story tells the Time and Place of the action and often sets the mood and tone of the story. To make a setting or background that causes the main character to come alive, we often use descriptive language which is not meant to be taken in its literal sense, called Figurative Language.

Some examples of such descriptive language are:

1. Simile: A comparison between two unlike things that uses the words like or as; "This bread is as hard as a rock."

2. Metaphor: A comparison between two dissimilar things that does not use the words like or as; "Life is a short story of conflicts and compromise."

3. Personification: That which give human traits to non-human things; "The waves danced on the jagged rocks."

4. Allusion :Metaphor making direct comparison to a historical or literary event or character, a myth, a biblical reference, etc."He is a Sampson of strength but a Thomas of faith."

4. Oxymoron:A short paradox, usually consisting of an adjective and noun with conflicting meanings;"The touch of her lips was sweet agony."

5. Hyperbole:Overstatement, a comparison using conscious exaggeration."He shot the puck so hard it caught the goalie’s mitt on fire."

Imagery: Using language that appeals to any sense or any combination of senses is called Imagery. These senses are Sight, Hearing, Taste, Touch or Smell.

Symbolism: Sometimes using an object, person, place, or action that has a meaning in itself and stands for something larger than itself; an idea, belief, or value called Symbol helps to improve our writing of a short story. Example: a lion can symbolize royalty; a circle can symbolize unity; and a dove can symbolize peace.

Atmosphere: the overall feeling (mood) which surrounds a piece of writing: fear, happiness, melancholy, anger, etc.

Irony: An unexpected twist of events, the opposite of what was expected.

There are 3 types of Irony:

1. Situational: When the action that occurs is the opposite of what is expected. Example: A frog kissed by a princess turns into an ugly old man.

2. Verbal: When words used are the opposite of what they describe. Example: A giant named Tiny Tom.

3. Dramatic: When the irony that occurs in a story is only noticed by the reader or viewer and is not noticed by the characters in the story. Example: A character overhears a conversation between two people and thinks that they are talking about her, however the reader (or viewer) knows that they are talking about someone else.

Flashback: A move back in time to an earlier incident.

Foreshadowing: A hint or allusion to events which will occur in the future.

Point of View: The action in a short story can be seen through point of view or perspective.

1) first person the main character tells his own story and refers to himself as "I"

2) third person -

        a) omniscient point of view the narrator knows all, the thoughts, motives and feelings of each character

         b) limited point of view the narrator views things as an observer but does not know all (like a movie camera or a fly on the wall).

Theme: The main message of a story. It is that controlling idea or belief as to what is important and unimportant in life. It gives a basic meaning to a literary work.  A Theme is not stated as one word. For example, "War" cannot be a theme; "War" is a topic or subject. "War causes all to suffer," can be a theme because it makes a universal statement about the topic.