Elements of the Short Story Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a character?

A person or an animal in a story, a play, or another literary work.

What is the climax of a story?

The action of the story comes to its highest point of dramatic conflict.

What is conflict in a story?

A problem or disagreement between people, society, or nature; the central source of tension and drama in the story.

What does exposition do in a story?

Sets the tone, establishes setting, introduces characters, and provides background information on the story. Signup and view all the answers

What is falling action?

The action that occurs after the climax, when conflicts are resolved and problems solved. Signup and view all the answers

What is point of view?

The vantage point from which a writer tells a story. Signup and view all the answers

What is a protagonist?

The main character in fiction or drama, the person who sets the plot in motion. Signup and view all the answers

What is resolution in a story?

The portion of a play or story where the central problem is resolved; the conclusion of a story. Signup and view all the answers

What is rising action?

The events in a story that move the plot forward, which involve conflicts and complications. Signup and view all the answers

What is setting?

The time and place of the action in a story, play, or poem. Signup and view all the answers

What is a theme in literature?

A subject for a work of literature, art, or music. Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot of a story?

The sequence of events in a story including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is an antagonist?

A principal character or force in opposition to a protagonist, or main character. Signup and view all the answers

What is symbolism?

The use of something concrete that is used to represent something more than itself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Elements of a Short Story

Character: Represents individuals or animals involved in the narrative; fundamental to plot development.
Climax: The peak of dramatic tension in the story, where the main conflict reaches its most intense moment.
Conflict: Highlights problems or disagreements among characters, society, or nature; drives the story’s tension and drama.
Exposition: Introduces essential elements like tone, setting, characters, and background information critical for understanding the narrative.
Falling Action: Follows the climax, focusing on the resolution of conflicts and the unfolding of outcomes.
Point of View: Indicates the perspective from which the story is told, influencing how readers interpret events and characters.
Protagonist: The primary character initiating the plot; often faces challenges and drives the narrative forward.
Resolution: Concludes the story by resolving central conflicts, providing answers to the main problems raised.
Rising Action: A sequence of events building tension and complications leading toward the climax; essential for plot development.
Setting: Establishes the time and place where the narrative takes place, shaping the context and mood of the story.
Theme: The underlying subject or concept expressed within a literary work; often conveys deeper meanings and messages.
Plot: The structured sequence of events including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Antagonist: Opposes the protagonist, presenting challenges and obstacles that drive the conflict and enhance drama.
Symbolism: Employs concrete objects or elements to represent larger concepts or ideas, enriching the text’s meaning.

Description

Explore key terms and concepts associated with the elements of a short story through these flashcards. Learn definitions and examples to enhance your understanding of narrative structure and literary devices. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.