This document provides an overview of short stories, including what they are, how to think about them, and their typical elements. It notes that short stories are always fictional, can be read in one sitting, and aim to illustrate truths about life. It defines key elements like plot, setting, characterization, and theme. It also outlines the typical plot development of a short story, including exposition, narrative hook, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Finally, it lists different types of conflict that can be present in short stories.

1. Short StoriesWhat you always wanted to know…and more!!

2. What exactly is a short story?Always FICTION (something feigned, invented, or imagined; a made-up story) Able to read in one sittingA GOOD short story presents enough lifelike qualities to help us better understand ourselves and our world.Short Stories present us with a world of the author’s imagination. The author has at least one important purpose in mind: to illustrate a truth, or generalization, about life.

3. What should I be thinking while reading a short story?What happens? (PLOT)When and Where does it happen? (SETTING)Who does it? (CHARACTER)What does it mean? (THEME)

4. What exactly do those words mean?PLOT: Arrangement of action. The author must select facts and place them in an interesting order.SETTING: The time and place of the action.CHARACTERIZATION: How the author presents the characterDirect- A summary of character’s traits and characteristicsIndirect- Through a character’s dialogue and action THEME: The whole story, including the atmosphere or feeling, makes up the theme. The whole story is an image.

5. Plot Development Chart

6. What do these have to do with a short story?Exposition: Introduction to the character, setting, situation, and background of storyNarrative Hook: Introduction of the story’s conflictRising Action: Begins with the narrative hook, catches attention and adds to the conflictClimax: Highest point of emotional involvement, the conflict peaksFalling Action: Events stemming from the results of the climaxResolution: The final outcome or conclusion of conflict

7. ConflictMan vs. Man: Man in conflict against another characterMan vs. Himself: Man in conflict with himself (inner turmoil)Man vs. Nature: Man in conflict with an aspect of nature (blizzard, bear)Man vs. Society: Man in conflict with a group of people or society beliefsMan vs. Fate: Man in conflict with that which he cannot change