Short Story Elements

• Short stories have key elements that build the narrative

Plot

• Stories begin by introducing characters and major details.
• The introduction also provides the setting, including where and when the story takes place.
• The situation is introduced, including the story's major problem or conflict.

Conflict

• The narrative is created by conflicting, opposing forces.
• An event sets the main character on a journey that occupies them throughout the story.
• Central conflict arises early.

Rising Action

• Tension builds and conflicts advance
• Plotlines often become more complex
• Contains multiple steps and parts
• Contains events that are complex
• Involves rising action: a series of increasingly suspenseful complications and events.
• Protagonist attempts to overcome these vicissitudes.

Climax

• The turning point of the story.
• Determines whether the protagonist will overcome their obstacles.
• Highest point of interest.

Falling Action

• Everything that happens as a result of the climax.
• Plot points are wrapped up.
• Loose threads are tied up.
• Includes some character development.
• Shows the conflict's aftermath and the outcome of events.

Resolution

• The final outcome of the story.
• Explains how the story ends.
• Does not necessarily end happily for the characters.
• Will leave an impact on the reader and invoke questions, frustration, or satisfaction.

Setting

• Indicates when and where the story takes place.
• Refers to the cultural, social, and physical environment.
• Setting can be neat, realistic, or imagined.
• Creates atmosphere and mood.

Characters

• Characters can be characterized directly or indirectly

Direct Characterization

• Occurs when the author explicitly describes a character's appearance and actions.
• For example: Zahra loves reading.

Indirect Characterization

• Occurs when the author does not directly describe a character's personality.
• Instead, the audience must deduce this for themselves.
• This can be shown via speech, thoughts/feelings, effects on others, actions, and looks.
• For example: Zahra is always reading.

Conflict

• Exists when any two opposing forces meet.
• Drives the plot, develops characters, and creates themes.
• The inciting incident usually triggers the central conflict, which is resolved during the climax.

Types of Conflict

• Internal – Character vs. Self
• External – Character vs. Character
• External – Character vs. Nature
• External – Character vs. Supernatural
• External – Character vs. Technology
• External – Character vs. Society

Theme Statement

• The theme is a clear and complete message conveyed by the story
• For example: "No matter how powerful we are, we need others, & this puts them in a position of power over us."

Narrative Point of View

• A narrator is the person who tells the story
• Is not the same as the author, instead is a voice created by his/her imagination who is the narrator

First-Person Narration

• A character within the story is telling the story.
• Clues: "I" is used and the narrator can only tell the reader what they are thinking or feeling.

Second-Person Narration

• The protagonist is referred to using second-person pronouns.
• Uncommon in storytelling
• Clues: "You" is used

Third-Person Narration

• The narrator is not a character in the story and cannot tell the reader what other characters are thinking and feeling.

Symbolism

• Uses an object or word to represent an abstract idea.
• Can also be used to hint at certain moods or emotions

Types of Symbolism

• Objects represent abstract ideas or concepts
• Animals represent human traits or ideas
• Colours represent emotions or convey themes
• Characters represent larger themes or archetypes
• Settings represent the theme or mood
• Actions represent deeper meanings
• Weather represents characters' emotions or plot development
• Numbers represent abstract numbers or ideas

Explore the basic elements of a short story, including plot, conflict, rising action, climax, and falling action. Learn how these components work together to create a compelling narrative. Understand the importance of each element in building tension and resolving the story's central conflict.