“Elements of Short Stories”

1. The Plot.

1.1. Exposition - The beginning of the story where the characters and the setting is revealed.

1.2. Inciting Force -An incident of great importance to the central character, one compelling him or her to act.

1.3. Rising Action - This is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is revealed.

1.4. Climax - This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story.

1.5. Falling Action - The events and complications begin to resolve themselves.

1.6. Denouement - This is the final outcome or untangling of events in the story.

2. Special Plot Techniques.

2.1. Foreshadowing - clues of hints which prepare the reader for future actions.

2.2. Flashback - looks back at events that have already occurred

2.3. Dialogue – conversation between characters

2.4. Suspense – anticipation as to the outcome of events.

3. Figurative Language

3.1. Simile.

3.2. Metaphors.

3.3. Personification.

3.4. Alusion.

4. The Setting.

4.1. Place: Where is the action of the story taking place? (Geographical Location)

4.2. Place: Where is the action of the story taking place? (Geographical Location)

4.3. Time: When is the story taking place? (Historical period, time of day, year)

4.4. Weather Conditions: Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc.?

4.5. Social Conditions: Does the story contain local color of a particular place)?

4.6. Atmosphere: What feeling is created at the beginning of the story?

5. The Conflict.

5.1. External - A struggle with a force outside one's self.

5.2. Internal - A struggle within one's self.

6. Point of View.

6.1. Point of view is the position from which the narrator tells the story.

7. Literary Devices.

7.1. Symbolism - a similar object, action, person, or place or something else that stands for something abstract

7.2. Irony: A contrast or discrepancy between one thing and another.

7.3. Imagery: images and language that appeals to the senses

8. Theme.

8.1. It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that he is trying to convey.