ELEMENTS OF SHORT

STORY
•WHAT IS A SHORT STORY?
• A short story is a work of fictional narrative prose with a
few characters, limited setting, and a single major event.
• A short story is meant to be read in a single sitting.
• PLOT- is the series of events which leads to a climax, or high point of interest.

• Exposition- the characters and setting are introduces, describing the setting
and sometimes will give us background of the story.
• Rising action- during this time the tension builds as the conflicts becomes
more evident.
• Climax- this is the highest point of interest in the story.
• Falling action- the event that immediately follows the climax.
• Denouement- this is where the story reaches its final conclusion.
- Flashback- a scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier
than the main story.

- Foreshadowing- a warning or indication of a future event

• CHARACTER- they are the one who give life of the story.

1. Round Characters- change throughout a story. The conflict of the story

helps the character to change. Round Characters
are often the main characters.
a. Protagonist- one who undergoes a change or learns something during the
course of the story.
- they are the one who takes the leading part.

b. Antagonist- the who contends with the protagonist.

2. Flat characters – these are the characters whose actions do
not affect the plot.
- they may me mentioned by name, but their personalities are not fully
developed.
• SETTING- This element refers to the place and time of the story. When
evaluating the setting, look for where the action takes place. In addition,
the historicalo period may be important.
• CONFLICT- in every story, there has to be a problem. The main character has to be
challenged in some way or the story will go nowhere.
FOUR BASIC CONFLICTS
1. Man vs. Man
2. Man vs. Nature
3. Man vs. Himself
4. Man vs. Society
• THEME- This is the controlling idea or the insight that the author wants the reader
to understand at the end of the story. The theme is often the authors thoughts or view
of a subjects.

• Example:
• 1. “ The Road Not Taken” (Decision making and Faith to God)
• 2. “ The Necklace” (Honesty is the best policy)
• Read the story entitled “ Maria Makiling” then identify the
setting, plot, character, conflict, and theme in the story.
• Get ½ crosswise sheet of paper and answer the following questions.
______________1. it is considered as the highest point of interest and the turning
point of the story.
______________2. This is the controlling or central insights in the story.
______________3. The one who give life of the story.
______________4. A characters whose actions do not affect the plot.
______________5. It is where the events in the story become complicated and the
conflict in the story is revealed.

(6-10) What do you think is the importance of theme in the story?

• ASSIGNMENTS
Make a Learning Insights about the Elements of Short story.
 THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!

Prepared by:
JOIE S. ANDUYAN