CW Weeks 7-8 Elements of Fiction

Elements of Fiction
Short Story Elements

Lesson 02
Learning Outcomes
• Define a short story
• Discuss the elements of a

short story
Short Story
• It is a prose that has one unit of place,
time and action.
• It is a “bite size” version of a novel.
• You can finish reading it in just one sitting.
Plot
-the action or sequence of events in a story.
It is based on a key conflict.
There are five basic parts of plot-

Plot and Structure
PLOT
• the chain of related events that take
place in a story.
• the way the author arranges the action
toward a specific end (structure)
• built around conflict, which is a
struggle between opposing forces.
2. Plot and Structure
Structure
 It defines the layout of the work. It presents
how each event causes or leads to the next.
Plot
• Exposition- the first part of the story. The author establishes the
setting, introduces characters, gives additional background
information.
• Rising Action/Complications- the series of conflicts or struggles

that build a story toward its climax. Tension rises.
• Climax- the high point, or turning point, of a story. It is the most

intense point. A decision is made that will decide the outcome of
the conflict.
• Falling Action- the action that works out the decision arrived at
during the climax. The conflict is –or begins to be –settled.
• Resolution- the ending. It ties up loose ends and brings the story
to a close.
Types of Conflict
• External Conflict – one between a character
and an outside force
a. Character vs. Character

b. Character vs. Nature
c. Character vs. Obstacle or Society
Character vs. Character
• The protagonist in the story
experiences conflict with
others, especially the
antagonist.
Character vs. Society
experiences conflict with
society as a whole.
Character vs. Nature
experiences conflict with the
elements of nature.
Types of Conflict
• Internal Conflict
experiences conflict with her or his
conscience. This is also called dilemma
a conflict within or for one person.
Man vs. Himself
3. Character and
Characterization
• Character is a verbal representation of a

human being.
• Every story needs characters: people,
animals, or any other creatures.
Example:
Character : Dorina – protagonist
Lavinia - antagonist
Characters
-a person, an animal, or an imaginary creature that
takes the part in the action of the story.
Characterization - the
techniques an author uses to
develop the personality of a character in a
literary work.
An author can give information about a

character by describing several aspects of
the character:
Characters, continued
– physical appearance and personality
– speech, behavior , and actions
– thoughts and feelings
– interactions with other characters
Character Types-
Protagonist- the main character

of the story that is most central to
the action of the story.
Antagonist- the person or thing

working against the protagonist,
or hero, in the story.
Static Characters-
characters that stay the
same throughout the
story. Flat – very few personality traits,
do not change throughout the
story, sometimes can be symbols
Dynamic Characters- or stereotypes
characters that change
and learn something
during the story. Round –convincing and true to life,
many different personality traits,
usually undergo a change during
the story
Setting
-the time and place in which the action
occurs. Look for clues in the opening
paragraphs of the story or novel.
Point of View
-the perspective or vantage point from which
an author presents a story.
• 1st person- the story is told by one of the

characters in the story. The character uses the
pronouns I and we.
• 3rd person- the story is told by the narrator who

stands outside of the story and observes the
events as they unfold. The narrator uses the
pronouns she, he, and they.
Theme
-the statement about life that the author
wants to share with the reader. Often
times, the reader will have to make
inferences or reasonable guesses as to
the theme of the story.
Helpful hint- Ask yourself what lesson the main

character learned in the story?
Symbolism
-An image/object in a story that is
used repeatedly and carries a
deeper meaning.
Universal Symbols:
water = purity
black clouds = evil approaching

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Elements of Fiction

Short Story Elements

• Define a short story

• Discuss the elements of a

There are five basic parts of plot-

• Rising Action/Complications- the series of conflicts or struggles

• Climax- the high point, or turning point, of a story. It is the most

a. Character vs. Character

• Character is a verbal representation of a

An author can give information about a

Protagonist- the main character

Antagonist- the person or thing

• 1st person- the story is told by one of the

• 3rd person- the story is told by the narrator who

Helpful hint- Ask yourself what lesson the main

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