Elements of short story

1. They usually focus on one central character or protagonist.

2. Theme

2.1. The theme is built on a topic, such as death, hope, the American dream, etc. and how the topic affects the human condition, society, or life.

2.2. What a theme is NOT:

2.2.1. a word or phrase (topic or subject)

2.2.2. a command

2.2.3. a judgment

3. Characterization

4. Conflict

4.1. Conflict is not merely limited to open arguments, rather it is any form of opposition that faces the main character.

4.2. In short stories there are usually fewer characters compared to a novel.

4.3. are two types of conflict

4.3.1. External – A struggle with a force outside one’s self.

4.3.2. Internal – A struggle within one’s self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, quiet their temper, resist an urge, etc.

4.3.2.1. I C

5. The plot is how the author arranges events to develop his basic idea; It is the sequence of events in a story or play.

6. Setting

6.1. The time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting

6.2. aspects of a story’s setting

6.2.1. Place – geographical location

6.2.2. Time – When is the story taking place?

6.2.3. Weather conditions – Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc?

6.2.4. Social conditions – What is the daily life of the characters like?

6.2.5. Mood or atmosphere – What feeling is created at the beginning of the story?

7. Plot

7.1. five essential parts of plot:

7.1.1. Rising Action

7.1.2. Falling action

7.1.3. Introduction /Orientation

7.1.4. Resolution / Denouement