This document discusses the key elements of short stories, using the classic tale "Cinderella" as an example. It outlines the typical components of short stories, including setting, characters, theme, plot, conflict, and stages of plot. Specifically for "Cinderella", it summarizes that the story is set in the past in a kingdom, features Cinderella as the protagonist opposing her antagonistic stepsisters, has a theme about persevering through hardship, involves Cinderella's conflict to attend the ball, and follows the typical stages of introducing this problem and resolving it when she marries the prince.

1. The Elements of
Short Story

2. short story is a short piece of
fiction
Learn the elements of short stories through the
classic short story “Cinderella”

3. SettingSetting
• Setting is the time and place of the
story’s action. Setting includes ideas,
customs, values, and beliefs.

4. The setting in “Cinderella”
• The story takes place a long time ago in a
land ruled by a king and a queen.

5. Characters
• Characters are the actors in a story’s
plot. They can be people, animals, or
whatever the writer chooses.
• The protagonist is the main character.
• The antagonist is the person in conflict
with the main character. Not all stories
have antagonists.

6. Characters in “Cinderella”
• The main characters are Cinderella, the
stepsisters, their mother, the fairy godmother,
and the prince.
• Protagonist: Cinderella
• Antagonist: the stepsisters, their mother

7. Theme
• Theme is the central idea or message
of a story, often a perception about life
or human nature.
• Stated themes are directly presented
in a story.
• Implied themes must be inferred by
considering all the elements of a story
and asking what message about life is
conveyed.
• The theme of “Cinderella” is implied.
The reader can infer the message that
if you are in a bad situation, you
should do the best that you can. In the
end, things will work out for you.

8. Plot
• Plot is the sequence of events in a story.
Each event causes or leads to the next. Plot
is often created through conflict, a struggle
between opposing forces.
• An external conflict is one between a
character and an outside force, such as
another character, nature, society, or fate.
• An internal conflict takes place within the
mind of a character who is torn between
opposing feelings or between different
courses of action.

9. Problem and Conflict in
“Cinderella”
• Problem: Cinderella wants to go to the ball, but her
stepsisters prevent her from going.
• Conflict: The conflict is external—Cinderella versus
the stepsisters and their mother.

10. Types of Conflict
• Conflict is generally categorized in the
following ways:
– Man versus Man: this is an external struggle
between two characters
– Man versus Society: this is an external struggle
between a character and a social force or condition
produced by society, such as poverty, political
revolution, or a set of values
– Man versus Nature: this is an external struggle
between a character and some natural obstacle or
natural condition
– Man versus Self: this is an internal struggle
within a character, where aspects of his or her
personality may struggle for dominance. These
aspects may be emotional, intellectual, or moral.

11. The Five Stages of Plot
• Exposition introduces the story’s characters,
setting, and conflict.
• Rising action occurs as complications, twists, or
intensifications of the conflict occur.
• Climax is the emotional high point of the story.
• Falling action is the logical result of the climax.
• Resolution presents the final outcome of the
story.

12. The 5 Stages
of plot in
Cinderella
Cinderella lives
with her stepsisters
and their mother.
they make her wear
rags and do all the
hard work.
An
invitation
to the ball
arrives.
A fairy
godmother
appears and
provides
Cinderella
with clothes,
a coach, and
footman.
The
stepsisters
go to the
ball.
Cinderella
goes to the
ball.
Cinderella dances
with the prince,
but leaves hurriedly
at midnight; losing a
slipper
The prince
says he
will marry
the woman
whom the
slipper fits.
The stepsisters
try to force their
feet into the slipper.
It fits Cinderella.
Cinderella and
the prince marry.
They live happily
ever after.

13. Thank You &
God Bless!
:)