Short Story TermsShort Story Terms

ConflictConflict Conflict:Conflict: is the struggle between the main is the struggle between the main

character and an opposing force. character and an opposing force. TYPES:TYPES: Internal conflict:Internal conflict: character-against-self, the character-against-self, the

protagonist (main character) is pulled by two protagonist (main character) is pulled by two courses of action or by differing emotions. courses of action or by differing emotions.

Interpersonal conflict:Interpersonal conflict: character-against- character-against-character, the protagonist against someone else. character, the protagonist against someone else.

External ConflictExternal Conflict : : Conflict ofConflict of character-against-society character-against-society happens when happens when

the protagonist is in conflict with society. Ex: war or the protagonist is in conflict with society. Ex: war or povertypoverty

Conflict of Conflict of person-against-natureperson-against-nature takes place when takes place when the protagonist is threatened by an element of nature. the protagonist is threatened by an element of nature. Ex. Hurricane or FloodEx. Hurricane or Flood

ThemeTheme

ThemeTheme: : is the meaning or message of the is the meaning or message of the story.story. Themes can be applied to the reader's own life Themes can be applied to the reader's own life

or to another piece of writingor to another piece of writing Types of themesTypes of themes: : An An explicitexplicit theme is one that is stated theme is one that is stated

openly in the story.openly in the story. An An implicitimplicit theme is one which is not theme is one which is not

directly stated. Many times, readers will directly stated. Many times, readers will not notice that an explicit theme is directly not notice that an explicit theme is directly stated, but they can often infer the theme stated, but they can often infer the theme anyway. anyway.

ImageryImagery

ImageryImagery appeals to any of the appeals to any of the senses -taste, touch, sight, sound, senses -taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell. It paints pictures in our and smell. It paints pictures in our mind.mind.

Always explain how the image is Always explain how the image is presented in the story, by giving presented in the story, by giving examples.examples.

PlotPlot Plot: Plot: is the sequence of events which involves the is the sequence of events which involves the

characters in the story. characters in the story. Chronological order:Chronological order: In this case, the events are told in In this case, the events are told in

the order they happen. the order they happen.

Exposition: Beginning!!Exposition: Beginning!! an explanation of the situation and an explanation of the situation and the condition of the characters. the condition of the characters.

A plot usually begins with A plot usually begins with a problema problem which the protagonist which the protagonist must meet or solve. During the story, tension is built through a must meet or solve. During the story, tension is built through a series of complications, incidents which either help or hinder series of complications, incidents which either help or hinder the protagonist in finding a solution. This is the the protagonist in finding a solution. This is the rising actionrising action. .

The The climaxclimax is the peak or turning point of the action; at this is the peak or turning point of the action; at this point we know the outcome. point we know the outcome.

The The resolutionresolution is the part after the climax. It gives any is the part after the climax. It gives any necessary explanation and ends with resolution, the sense of necessary explanation and ends with resolution, the sense of at the end of the story that it is complete.at the end of the story that it is complete.

Plot DiagramPlot Diagram

SuspenseSuspense

Increased interest in a story that Increased interest in a story that leads to the Climax.leads to the Climax.

It is also called RISING ACTIONIt is also called RISING ACTION

ClimaxClimax

The highest point of interest in a The highest point of interest in a storystory

The turning point in the plotThe turning point in the plot

SettingSetting

TIME-clock time and calender timeTIME-clock time and calender timePLACE-local and globalPLACE-local and globalCIRCUMSTANCE-what is happening CIRCUMSTANCE-what is happening

when the story begins and in the when the story begins and in the world where the story takes placeworld where the story takes place

AtmosphereAtmosphere

The overall emotional impression of a The overall emotional impression of a novel or short story. The author novel or short story. The author creates an atmosphere, or mood, by creates an atmosphere, or mood, by developing a strong sense of developing a strong sense of developing a strong sense of place.developing a strong sense of place.

MoodMood

The feelings created in the READER The feelings created in the READER by the authorby the author

ToneTone

The feelings of the AUTHOR The feelings of the AUTHOR expressed in his/her writingexpressed in his/her writing

Point of ViewPoint of View

The position from whichThe position from which Events are seenEvents are seen A story is toldA story is told An argument is madeAn argument is made

2 types2 types

11stst person-The narrator is a character in the story person-The narrator is a character in the story and refers to himself/herself as “I”and refers to himself/herself as “I”

33rdrd person- The narrator is outside of the story person- The narrator is outside of the story and never refers to himself/herself in the story. and never refers to himself/herself in the story. The story is told from a “HE”, “SHE”, “THEY” The story is told from a “HE”, “SHE”, “THEY” positionposition

ForeshadowingForeshadowing

Something in the story’s plot that Something in the story’s plot that gives a hint or clue about what will gives a hint or clue about what will happen at a later point in time.happen at a later point in time.

SimileSimile

A comparison between two things A comparison between two things using the word “like” or “as”using the word “like” or “as”

Example: Life is like a box of Example: Life is like a box of chocolateschocolates

MetaphorMetaphor

A comparison between two things A comparison between two things NOT using the word “like” or “as”NOT using the word “like” or “as”

Note: Metaphor is stronger than a Note: Metaphor is stronger than a simile but harder to use wellsimile but harder to use well

Example: Example: Life is a rollercoasterLife is a rollercoaster