Elements of a Short

Story

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 Definition of a Short
Story
Tells about a single
event or experience
Fictional (not true)
500 to 15,000 words
in length
It has a beginning, middle,
and end
Creates an impression on
the reader
Elements of a Short
Story
Setting
Characterization
Plot
Conflict
Climax
Resolution
Theme
Point of
view
 Short Story Vocabulary

Setting:Tells the
reader where
and when the
story takes
place.
 Short Story Vocabulary

Characterization:
Creation of imaginary
people who appear to be
real to the reader. The
writer gives
information about the
characters in the
story.
 Short Story Vocabulary

Plot: A series of
events through
which the writer
reveals what is
happening, to
whom, and why.
 Short Story Vocabulary

Conflict: Is a
problem in the
story that needs
to be resolved.
 Short Story Vocabulary

Climax: When the

action comes to its
highest point of
conflict.
 Short Story Vocabulary

Resolution: The
story’s action
after the climax
until the end of
the story. The
“conclusion” of the
story.
 Short Story Vocabulary

Theme: The
story’s main ideas.
The “message”
the writer
intends to
communicate by
telling the story.
 Short Story Vocabulary

Point of view: The

position of the
narrator of the
story and what the
writer sees from
that vantage point.
Elements of a Short
Story
Setting
Characterization
Plot
Conflict
Climax
Resolution
Theme
Point of
view
Great writers are able to use
the elements of the short story
with such precision that the
reader is caught up in the action
of the story. This is a mark of
a good story and our goal as a
writer.
 A CHILDHOOD SAVED
It had been two hours waiting for the train. Haiqa was getting restless(SETTING).
Suddenly she noticed a child begging at the platform. He appeared to be little sweet
boy who had a small bag on his shoulder.
She noticed a book in his bag. Haiqa was eager to know where the child lived. There
was still more than an hour left for the train to arrive. So she got up and started
following him(SUSPENCE). The boy moved out of the station and entered a slum
nearby. He got into a house which appeared to be a dirty and
unhygienic place. There were other child beggars in the house who were in the age
group of 5 to 10 years. They were thin and week. They had money but nothing to eat.
Just than a man entered the house the children became quiet. He asked them the
money they had collected by begging. The poor children handed all money they had to
him. Haiqa understood that it was a racket of child beggars. She felt pity for those
small children. She decided to inform the police(CLIMAX). The police and NGO reached
the place. The man was arrested and the children were sent under the protection of
NGO from where they would be sent to their homes. Haiqa felt relieved and was
appreciated by everyone. She was later rewarded by government for her effort in
rescuing the children.(ENDING WITH SAVING LIFE OF CHILDREN).
POINT OF VIEW:THIRD PERSON
SOCIAL ISSUE:CHILD BEGGING
THEME : VIOLENCE AGAINST POOR CHILDREN
Cynthia could hear the joyful scream of her best friend
David, but when she opened the door there was no one.
She started searching the doors…..

(Word Limit 170-200)