ONE IS ONE AND ALL ALONE : INTRODUCTION TO SHORT STORY

INTRODUCTION TO SHORT STORIES

FIVE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS TO A GOOD STORY

1.PLOT

The plot refers to a sequence of events that move the characters

from start to finish.

There are 5 parts to a plot.

EXPOSITION

The beginning of the story

RISING ACTION

Problems and conflicts are revealed

CLIMAX

The highest point of crisis in the story

FALLING ACTION

Resolutions to conflicts

RESOLUTION

The ending where conflicts are resolved

2.CHARACTER

The character refers to the people in the story. The most important character is called

the main character or the protagonist, while the villain is known as the antagonist. The

other characters are called minor characters. A round character changes in the story

while a flat character does not change. Characters are revealed to us through :

*actions

*physical descriptions

*words and thoughts

*opinions of the authors

*opinions of the narrator

*opinions of the characters

3.SETTING

The setting provides the background to the story. It refers to the place and time

where a particular event takes place.

4.THEME

The theme refers to the message or perspective on life the author wishes to share

with the reader. There can be more than one theme. A common motive may also

run through the theme.

5.NARRATIVE TECHNIQUE or POINT OF VIEW

The narrative technique refers to the way events happen and how this is told.

The first person point of view

*the narrator as well as the character in the story.

*When speaking, the narrator begins begin with " I ".

The third person point of view

*the narrator is someone outside the story.

*has a limited point of view because he can only tell you

certain thoughts and feelings of the characters.

*When speaking, he uses " He " , " She " , "They " , etc.