Short Story and its Elements

Sweeta Abrahimkhail 2019/ Fall Semester

What is a short story?
1. A short story by definition is a short of work of fiction (generally we take
it as not real/ made up. Because of the shorter length, it usually focuses
on one plot, one main character and a few minor characters and one
central theme. Or ..
2. A short story is a piece of prose fiction which can be read at a single
setting. It usually tells about one single event and not multiple situations.
• The length of a short story is usually between 1000 to 20,000 thousand
words.
• It usually creates an impression on the reader.
• It’s a popular form of reading and writing in modern age.
Elements of a short story
• Setting
• Characterization
• Plot
• Theme
• Conflict
Setting
• Setting tells the reader where and when the story takes place.
• Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings,
seasons or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.
Characterization
• Characterization is the creation of imaginary people who appear to be
real to the reader. The writer gives information about the characters
in the story. There are different ways through which the author
reveals characters in the story.

• Through the author’s physical description of them

• Through their actions
• Through their words (dialogue)
• Through their inner thoughts
• Through what other characters say and think about them
Plot
• Plot is a series of events through which the writer reveals what is
happening, to whom an why.
• The elements of plot are:
• Exposition
• Rising action
• Climax
• Falling action
• Resolution/ denouemnet
Conflict
• Conflict is the struggle or a problem that has to be solved in the story.
• Conflict is a crucial element to the development of plot. Without conflict it’s very difficult
to develop the plot of a story. Conflict is what keeps the characters and the plot going.
• The main character is on one side of the main conflict.
• Conflicts can be:
• 1. External – conflict with others and with nature
• 2. Internal – conflict within themselves (against something inside himself or herself
(feelings, emotions, illness).

• When the conflict is external, the main character may struggle:

• against another important character
• against the forces of nature
• against society
Theme
• Theme refers to the message that writer is trying to communicate by telling
the story. Its usually the most difficult elements to understand.
• Theme is different from the topic.
• Themes can’t really be expressed in one word but it can be written in a
sentence.
• Theme is the meaning behind events and characters’ actions in a story.
• The theme is the central idea, message, or purpose in a short story.
• A theme can be expressed as a general statement about people or life.
• It is NOT plot summary.
• It can be either directly or indirectly stated by the author. Most likely
indirectly.
Point of View (POV)
• Point of view refers to the position of the narrator of the and what
the writer sees from that vantage point.
• First person narrator: written from the perspective of character inside
the story and uses pronouns like (I, Me,…)
• Third person narrator: uses pronouns like (he, she, they, them) and is
of two kinds:
1. Third person limited
2. Third person omniscient
•Wrap up!