Suspense Module-1.3-Learn: Elements of a Short Story

Suspense Module:Elements of a Short Story

Elements of a Short Story

• a work of fictional prose that usually can be read in one sitting.

• Limited amount of characters

• Single Setting

• Single Plot

• Single Conflict

• Theme

Setting

the time and place in which a story takes place.  For some stories the setting is important, but in others, it may not be as important.

-Includes: place, time, weather, & social conditions

Open Ended

Provide an example of a setting in a book or movie you know. Use the sentence starter: The setting of the movie/book ________ is _______.

Conflict

• The conflict is the story's main problem. 

• It is what is keeping the characters from reaching their goal.

• Example: In Little Red Riding Hood, the little girl just wants to deliver some muffins to her grandmother, but a wolf has eaten her grandmother and as is pretending to be her.

Characters: Protagonist/Antagonist

• The characters are the people, animals, or objects in the story.

• The main character is referred to as the protagonist.

• The opposing character is referred to as the antagonist.

Open Ended

Think of a story you know (book or movie) and identify the protagonist and antagonist of that story. Use the following template: In the story, ________, _______ is the protagonist and ________ is the antagonist.

Plot

• The sequence of events in a story.

• Exposition: Setting and characters are established.

• Rising Action: events leading up to the climax of the story where conflict is revealed.

• Climax: The turning point.

• Falling Action: events after the climax of the story.

• Resolution: Provides closure and ties up loose ends.

Point of View

• The perspective from which the story is told.

• 1st Person-Narrator is the main character of the story.

• 2nd Person-Narrator speaks to the reader.

• 3rd Person Limited-Narrator is not in the story & focuses on only thoughts and feelings of ONE character.

• 3rd Person Omniscient-All-knowing narrator (knows ALL the business of ALL characters).

Theme

• The author's message or universal lesson learned from a story or text

• Explicitly stated-author or character states it directly

• Implied-reader must understand the story and think about what the lesson might be based on what has happened.

Multiple Choice

Who is the protagonist of the story?

• Pip

• The Exam Judge

• The Trainer

• Canine University

Open Ended

What is the theme of the story? Remember: The theme is the universal lesson one can learn from a story.

Open Ended

Exit Ticket: Identify and define one element of short story you learned today.