5 Elements of a Short Storyyyyyyyyyyyyy.ppt

ppt

1. 1
5 Important Elements 5 Important Elements
of a Short Storyof a Short Story
The 5 key elements that make up a short story are:The 5 key elements that make up a short story are:
CharactersCharacters
SettingSetting
ConflictConflict
ThemeTheme
PlotPlot

2. 2
CharacterCharacter

A character is a person, or sometimes an animal, who A character is a person, or sometimes an animal, who
takes part in the action of a short story or other literary takes part in the action of a short story or other literary
work.work.

Characters and how we get to know them:Characters and how we get to know them:

Through the author’s physical description of themThrough the author’s physical description of them

Through their actionsThrough their actions

Through their words (dialogue)Through their words (dialogue)

Through their inner thoughtsThrough their inner thoughts

Through what other characters say and think about themThrough what other characters say and think about them

3. 3
SettingSetting

Setting is the time and place Setting is the time and place
that a story occurs.that a story occurs.

Authors often use Authors often use
descriptions of landscape, descriptions of landscape,
scenery, buildings, seasons scenery, buildings, seasons
or weather to provide a or weather to provide a
strong sense of setting.strong sense of setting.

4. 4
ThemeTheme

Theme is the meaning behind events and Theme is the meaning behind events and
characters’ actions in a story.characters’ actions in a story.

The theme is the central idea, message, or The theme is the central idea, message, or
purpose in a short story.purpose in a short story.

A theme can be expressed as a general statement A theme can be expressed as a general statement
about people or life.about people or life.

It is NOT plot summary.It is NOT plot summary.

It can be either directly or indirectly stated by It can be either directly or indirectly stated by
the author. Most likely indirectly.the author. Most likely indirectly.

5. 5
ConflictConflict

Conflict is any of the problems that a character encounters in a Conflict is any of the problems that a character encounters in a
story.story.

The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a short The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a short
story.story.

The main character is on one side of the main conflict. The main character is on one side of the main conflict.

Conflicts can be:Conflicts can be:

1. External – conflict with others and with nature1. External – conflict with others and with nature

2. Internal – conflict within themselves2. Internal – conflict within themselves

The main character may struggle:The main character may struggle:

against another important characteragainst another important character

against the forces of natureagainst the forces of nature

against societyagainst society

against something inside himself or herself (feelings, emotions, illness).against something inside himself or herself (feelings, emotions, illness).

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PlotPlot

Plot is the series of events that develop from the Plot is the series of events that develop from the
interactions between characters.interactions between characters.

There are 5 elements of plot:There are 5 elements of plot:

ExpositionExposition

Rising ActionRising Action

ClimaxClimax

Falling ActionFalling Action

ResolutionResolution

7. 7
Plot DiagramPlot Diagram
5 Elements of Plot5 Elements of Plot

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ExpositionExposition

The start or introduction of the story.The start or introduction of the story.

The background information that the reader The background information that the reader
must have in order to understand the story.must have in order to understand the story.

This is where characters and setting are This is where characters and setting are
introduced.introduced.

This is where the inciting incident occurs. The This is where the inciting incident occurs. The
inciting incident begins the conflict.inciting incident begins the conflict.

9. 9
Rising ActionRising Action

All of the events that take place leading up to All of the events that take place leading up to
the climax.the climax.

The conflict grows.The conflict grows.

10. 10
ClimaxClimax

The most exciting part of the story.The most exciting part of the story.

The turning point in the story.The turning point in the story.

Here the story is turned in a different direction, Here the story is turned in a different direction,
toward the conclusion.toward the conclusion.

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Falling ActionFalling Action

The immediate reaction to the climax.The immediate reaction to the climax.

All the actions that occur after the climax and All the actions that occur after the climax and
before the conclusion of the story.before the conclusion of the story.

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ResolutionResolution

The conclusion of the plot. The conclusion of the plot.

Loose ends are tied up.Loose ends are tied up.

There might not be a clear There might not be a clear
resolution. This is called a resolution. This is called a
cliffhanger ending.cliffhanger ending.