This PPT gives definitions for the Narrative/Short Story Elements

1. Short Story Elements
The Narrative

2. Setting
• Time and location in
which a story takes
place.
• Consider as well:
Geographical location
Historical time period
Weather
Social conditions
Mood/atmosphere

3. Plot
• How the author
arranges events:
Exposition
Rising action
Climax
Falling action
Resolution

4. Conflict
• Two Types:
Internal or external
• Four Kinds
Man vs Man
Man vs Self
Man vs Nature
Man vs Society

5. Characters
• Protagonist = main
character
• Antagonist = opposing
character (villain)
• Characterization:
His/her physical appearance
His/her words and thoughts
His/her actions
Opinions of other characters

6. Point of View
• First Person
• Third Person
• Stream of
consciousness (I)

7. Theme
• This is the author’s
message or main idea
of the story. Seldom is
the theme directly
stated. You must infer
this message based on
the actions of the
protagonist and the
resolution of the story.