This document defines key literary elements in short stories such as characters, setting, plot, conflict, and theme. It then explains what a plot diagram is and the typical elements it contains: an exposition that introduces characters and establishes the problem, a rising action where suspense builds and the problem gets worse, a climax turning point, falling action that leads to resolution, and a resolution that concludes the story.

1. A character is a person, or sometimes even an animal, which takes part in the action of a
short story or other literary work.
The setting of a short story is the time and place in which it happens. Authors often use
descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons or weather to provide a strong sense
of setting.
see The Last Leaf by O. Henry
A plot is a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.
see The Open Boat by Stephen Crane
The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a short story. The main character is
usually on one side of the central conflict.
On the other side, the main character may struggle against another important character,
against the forces of nature, against society, or even against something inside himself or
herself (feelings, emotions, illness).

2. see To Build a Fire by Jack London
The theme is the central idea or belief in a short story.
Plot Diagram Defined
A plot diagram is a tool that is commonly used to organize a story into certain segments. Once the
parts of the plot diagram are identified, it is easier to analyze the content. A plot diagram also gives a
common framework for analyzing and understanding written prose.
1. The exposition or the introduction introduces the characters, describes the setting and establishes
the problem in the story.
2. The rising action is where the suspense builds and the problem gets worse and becomes more
complicated. There are often multiple steps or parts in the rising action.
3. The climax is the turning point in the story. It is usually the most exciting part in the story and the
part that makes the reader want to keep reading.

3. 4. The falling action is the events that happen after the climax that lead to a resolution or ending to
the story.
5. The resolution is the outcome of the story. It is how things end up or turn out for the characters.