Elements of Short Stories

A warning or indication of what may happen later on in the story

Dynamic characters change throughout the course of a story. Dynamic = different

The time and place in which a story occurs. Ex: Chicago, Christmas morning, 1960

Static characters stay the same throughout the course of the story. Static = same

Earlier events inserted into the normal chronological order of the story.

The sequence of events in a story.

Portrayal of a character's personality through their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Ex: Ruby volunteers at school.

Descriptive writing that appeals to the five senses (taste, touch, hear, feel, smell)

Novels and short stories are two types of fiction writing.

Point-of-view of a story can be told in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person perspective.

Stage 4 of plot development resolves conflict and ties up loose ends in the story. This is called...

A story must contain at least 15 literary elements for it to be considered quality writing

Author's use of brief, direct statements about a character's personality. Ex: Ruby is a kind-hearted girl.

Stage 2 of plot development introduces conflict and builds suspense. This is called...

A state of feeling anxious or excited uncertainty about what may happen. Ex: a high-speed car chase

When the reader knows something that the characters in the story do not. Ex: We know the man will die but he doesn't

A struggle that a character faces with another person or outside force.

Assigning the qualities of a person to something that is not human. Ex: The stars danced in the sky

A comparison of two unlike things. Ex: Ann's personality is a colorful rainbow.

A comparison of two unlike things using the words like or as. Ex: Ali is as slow as a turtle

Plot (the events of a story) happens in multiple stages.

When you expect one thing to happen, but something entirely different occurs. Ex: A fire station burning down

Stage 3 of plot development reaches the highest point of suspense in the story. This is called...

A brief reference to something or someone outside of the story that the audience is expected to know. Ex: The Grinch

Stage 1 of plot development introduces characters and gives background information. This stage is called...

Fiction (not real) writing is meant to entertain but provide a deeper understanding or life lesson.

A concrete person, place, or object that represents something more abstract. Ex: Red roses = love/romance

The moral, central insight, or lesson learned in a story. Ex: Treat others the way you'd like to be treated

The people, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in the action of the story

A struggle that a character faces within themselves.