Short Story Elements (Beginner)
Short Story Elements (Intermediate)
Short Story Elements (Advanced)
Examples from Stories
TERRIBLY TOUGH
100

The time and place of the story

What is the setting?

100

This type of conflict occurs when two characters struggle against each other.

What is person vs. person?

100
It is one of the two types of conflict. This is when there is a struggle with a force outside one's self.
What is an external conflict?
100

This quote is an example of ... “Much to my surprise, I liked the truck Charlie bought me.”

What is first person point of view? 

100

This is an example of..."The boy is a pig."

What is a metaphor?

200
It is the sequence of events in a story or a play.
What is the plot?
200

This type of ending leaves the reader with questions in their head.

What is an open ending?

200

This is a type of conflict where the leading character struggles with themself, with their own soul, ideas of right or wrong, physical limitations, choices, etc.

What is person vs. self?

200

This quote is an example of ... "Martin, a thin twelve-year-old, felt nervous in it from the first day he and his father moved into the apartment."

What is third person point of view? 

200

Resolution is a word used to describe this part of the plot

What is the resolution?

300
It is the highest point of the story.
What is the climax?
300

This is the beginning of the story where the characters and the setting of the story are revealed. 

What is the introduction?

300
This quote is an example of...."The girl's backpack felt as heavay as a sack of potatoes."
What is a simile?
300

This quote is an example of descriptive writing using which of the 5 senses ... "He had to squeeze past her, rubbing against her horrible scratchy coat."

What is touch?

300

Exposition is a word used to describe which part of the plot? 

What is the Beginning? 

400
It is the main character of the story.
Who is the protagonist?
400

A story about war would likely include this tone

What is serious/sad/respectful? 
400

This impacts the way a reader views the events and the characters within a story. This can influence a readers emotional response. 

What are tone and mood?

400

This quote is an example of ... "you were so foolish back then, thinking that you would become rich and famous." 

What is second person point of view? 

400

Without this, there is no plot

What is conflict?

500

The character that creates problems for the protagonist.

                                   


    

What is the antagonist? 

500

The events in the story where the plot develops and the problem/conflict is introduced

What is the rising action?

500

Love, good vs evil, courage and heroism, friendship, perserverance, etc. are all examples of this 

What is theme? 

500

What literary device is this quote an example of ... "They turned on themselves, like a feverish wheel, all tumbling spokes." 

                                                       


    

What is a simile 

500

A brief work of fiction that typically focuses on a single event, character, or theme. It is designed to be read in one sitting.


    

What is a short story? 

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