This document outlines the key elements of a short story: setting, characters, plot, and theme. It defines each element and provides examples. Setting establishes where and when the story takes place. Characters are the people or animals in the story, and are developed through methods like speech, thoughts, and physical descriptions. Plot is the sequence of related events, typically involving a conflict between opposing forces that builds to a climax and is resolved. Theme reflects the central idea or message of the story. Understanding these elements helps in analyzing short stories.

1. Elements
of a
Short Story
Ms. Ghie D.Vidar
SALIS

2. Objectives
Elements of a Short Story
• Identify and define
elements of a short story
• Demonstrate mastery of
short story elements by
creating story grammar

4. Overview
A Short Story is similar to your dish. It needs
the best ingredients for you to enjoy its delectable taste.
Stories are made up of four important
elements:
Setting
Characters, Plot,
and Theme
Elements of a Short Story

5. Setting
Tells the reader where and
when
the story takes place.

6. Characters and
Characterization
The people, and in some
stories, the animals that
take part in the story.
The description ofthe
personalities of the
characters in the story and
the way in which an author
reveals their personalities.

7. Two Identifications of
Characters
1. Protagonist –
the hero of the story
2. Antagonist –
the villain in the story
who is always
opposing the
protagonist

8. Methods of
Characterization
– speech, thoughts,
feelin gs, or actions
of the character
– speech, thoughts,
feelin gs, or actions
of other characters
Creating Believable
Characters
• Indirect •
Direct
– physical appearance
– the narrator’s
direct
comments
about a
character

9. Plot
• The chain of related
events that take place
in a story.
• Built around conflict,
which is a struggle
between opposing
forces.

10. PLOT DIAGRAM
Resolution
Climax
Exposition
Conflict
• Theplot is the sequenceor order of events in a
story.
• Theplot includes:
ExpositionStatement
The part of the plot that tells
how the story begins.
RisingAction
The action in the story leading
up
to the climax.
Conflict
The struggles or problems
between opposing forces.
Climax
The point of crisis in the plot.
It maybethereader’spoint
of highest interest.
Falling action
The action in the story
after
the climax is
revealed.
Resolution
The part of the plot that
reveals the final outcome.

12. Types of Conflict
-Man vs. Man
-Man vs. Nature
-Man vs. Obstacle or Society
- Man vs. Supernatural Being
-Man vs. Himself

13. Theme
Ex.
Love
Family Feud
Themes from ‘The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet’
• The main idea of a story.
• It is not a moral, lesson, or a
rule for living.

14. CONCLUSION
Now that we have identified
and defined the elements of a
short story, let us use the
elements to analyze a Short
Story.
You may use your notes from
the PowerPoint presentation.

16. Bibliography
Dinneen, K. Elements of the Short Story. Retrieved Jun.
19,2003, from Yale-New Haven TeachersInstitute:
http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1983/3/83.03.09.x.html
Five Elements of aStory. Retrieved Jun. 19,2003,
http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-2277.html
Guevin, D. Short Story Elements. Retrieved Jun. 19, 2003,
http://www.uvm.edu/~dguevin/Elements.html