Elements of a Short Story

The Basics

• Short story: narrative prose fiction that is shorter than a novel

• Plot: The sequence of events in a literary work

• Setting: The time and place • Theme: The main idea of a literary work

Gustav here to tell you about his pyramid!

NO! NO! That’s not MY pyramid!

Freytag’s Pyramid

That’s more like it!

Exposition

• Usually the beginning of plot, but may occur throughout the story

• Concerned with introducing characters, setting, and other important details that are necessary for the reader to understand the story

• Ways exposition could be handled:– Characters’ thought or dialogue– Media such as newspaper or diaries

Rising Action

• The central part of the story during which various problems arise (also known as conflict)

• 5 types of Conflict:– Person vs. Person– Person vs. Society– Person vs. Himself or Herself– Person vs. Nature– Person vs. Fate

Climax

• The high point of the story where the events come to the peak of conflict.

• Usually features the most conflict and struggle• Usually reveals any secrets or missing points

of the story

Falling Action

• This shows the results of the climax and the effects on all elements of the story.

• Slowly resolves all issues

Resolution (Dénouement)

• Resolves conflict• Normality for characters• Sense of catharsis• Release of tension or anxiety• Untying of all complexities of the plot