PARTS OF A SHORT STORY

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PARTS OF A SHORT STORY

• Student Notes

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Plot Diagram
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PLOT DIAGRAM
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Plot (definition)

• Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of
  events that make up a story. Every plot is made
  up of a series of incidents that are related to
  one another.

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1. Exposition

• This usually occurs at the beginning of a short
  story. Here the characters are introduced. We
  also learn about the setting of the story. Most
  importantly, we are introduced to the main
  conflict (main problem).

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2. Rising Action

• This part of the story begins to develop the
  conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense
  occurs.

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3. Climax

• This is the turning point of the story. Usually
  the main character comes face to face with a
  conflict. The main character will change in some
  way.

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4. Falling Action

• All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The
  conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

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5. Resolution

• The story comes to a reasonable ending.

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Putting It All Together
1. Exposition 2. Rising Action 3. Climax 4.
Falling Action 5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story
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CONFLICT

• Conflict is the problem in the story that the
  character must overcome.
• Man vs. Man
• Man vs. Self
• Man vs. Society
• Man vs. Nature
• Internal Conflict vs. External Conflict

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Characterization

• Characterization is the process by which the
  writer reveals the personality of a character.
  Characterization is revealed through direct and
  indirect characterization.
• Direct Characterization tells the audience what
  the personality of the character is.
• Indirect Characterization shows things that
  reveal the personality of a character.

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Characterization

• There are five different methods of indirect
  characterization
• Speech What does the character say? How does the
  character speak?
• Thoughts What is revealed through the
  characters private thoughts and feelings?
• Effect on others toward the character. What is
  revealed through the characters effect on other
  people? How do other characters feel or behave in
  reaction to the character
• Actions What does the character do? How does the
  character behave?
• Looks What does the character look like? How
  does the character dress?

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Point of View

• 1st Person The story is told from the I point
  of view. The character tells his/her own story.
• 2nd Person The you point of view. Not used
  very often.
• 3rd Person an outside narrator tells the story.

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Theme

• A theme is the main idea, or message, of an
  essay, paragraph, or a book. The message may be
  about life, society, or human nature. Themes
  often explore timeless and universal ideas and
  may be implied rather than stated explicitly.