Short Story Basics
Is a short story a work of fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction
What part of the plot ties up all conflicts?
Resolution
This is the author’s attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience.
Tone
In which point of view does the main character tell their own story?
First Person Protagonist
Two characters compete for the same position on a team. What type of conflict is this?
Person vs. Person
A short story usually focuses on a single event, character, or what other important element
A theme
The main characters and their ordinary lives are introduced before a problem begins. What part of the plot is this?
Exposition
This is the emotional feeling or atmosphere experienced by the reader.
Mood
“I watched as Elena crossed the finish line. I had never seen my best friend look so proud.” The narrator is a secondary character telling Elena’s story.
First Person As A Participant
A student challenges a school rule that prevents students from expressing their cultural traditions.
Person vs Society
Approximately how long should it take a reader to complete a short story?
In one sitting
In Death by Scrabble, the word EXPLODES causes the air conditioning to break. The word ZAP is played and the wife gets a shock. Where on the plot diagram do these events fall?
The Rising Action
“The warm sunlight filled the garden while birds sang softly from the trees.” Identify the mood created by the imagery.
Peaceful, Calm, or Hopeful
“Amir smiled confidently, but inside he was terrified. His teammates noticed only his smile and assumed that he was calm.” The narrator reveals Amir’s thoughts but presents the teammates externally.
Third-person limited omniscient
Eva wants to report her friend for cheating, but she is afraid that telling the truth will end their friendship. She spends the entire evening debating what she should do.
Person vs Self
A story takes place during a winter storm in an isolated cabin. Which story element is being described?
Setting
Why is the climax often considered the most important part of the plot?
It is the turning point or most dramatic moment that changes the direction of the story.
“The door slammed. Footsteps approached. Closer. Closer.” Identify the mood and one technique used to create it.
Tense or fearful mood and short sentences, fragments, or repetition.
Why might a writer choose third-person omniscient point of view?
To reveal the thoughts and feelings of several characters and give the reader broader knowledge of the story.
A hiker becomes trapped on a mountain during a snowstorm. What type of conflict is this?
Person vs Nature
After moving to a new town, Elena discovers that students are forbidden from entering the local library. She decides to challenge the rule, even though her classmates warn her not to.
Identify the protagonist, setting, and central conflict.
Protagonist: Elena
Setting: New town, local library
Conflict: Elena challenges a rule that prevents students from entering the library.
Question: Read the events:
Which event is the climax?
Three
“Wonderful. The bus left without me, my phone is dead, and now it is raining.” Identify the speaker’s tone.
Sarcastic, Frustrated, or Bitter?
“Jason feared that the team would lose. Across the field, Sophia secretly hoped he would make a mistake, while their coach wondered whether either player was prepared.”
Third-Person Omniscient?
A young athlete struggles with self-doubt while also competing against a rival who constantly insults him. Name both conflicts.
Person vs. Self & Person vs Person