Short Story- a work of fiction (imagined events and characters) In order for the character to seem real to the
real to the readers, its
- has few characters and limited setting
- has a single major event
- gives a lesson to the readers
- is meant to be read in one sitting
Elements of a Short Story
I. Setting – time and place in which a story happens.
a. place – geographical location (a country, town, city or
any specific location)
b. time – historical period (example: World War II)
- time of day (example: One afternoon…)
- year (example: In 1979…)
- “Once upon a time, in a faraway land…”
c. weather condition – Is it rainy, sunny or stormy, etc.?
d. social conditions – What is the daily life of the
characters like? (example: When women were not
yet allowed to vote…)
e. mood or atmosphere – What feeling is shown at the
beginning of the story?
(example: One frightening night…)
II. Characters – persons, animals or things that portray roles in
the story.
a. Protagonist – to whom the story evolves with all major
events having importance to this character.
b. Antagonist – the character in conflict with the
protagonist.
characters must seem real. Characterization is the information the
author gives the readers about the characters. The author may
reveal a character in several ways:
a. his/her physical appearance
b. what he/she says, thinks, feels and dreams of
c. what he/she does or does not do
d. what others say about him/her
e. how others react to him/her
III. Theme – message of the story to the readers
- lesson that teaches the readers what to do or how to
behave
IV. Plot – the sequence of events in a story arranged in logical
series having a beginning, middle and ending.
A. Exposition – setting and characters are introduced.
B. Rising Action – conflict is revealed.
Conflict – the problem that the main character faces.
Without conflict, there is no plot.
C. Climax – most exciting part of the story.
- character finds the solution to the conflict.
D. Falling Action – event that immediately follows the climax.
- the story draws to a close in this part.
- reveals if the conflict was solved or not.
E. Denouement – final outcome of the story.
- usually reveals the theme.