This document provides information about short story writing, including the definition of a short story, types of short story writing, and the typical parts that make up a short story. It notes that a short story is a work of fiction or imagination meant to be read in one sitting. It then describes the three main types of short story writing exercises commonly given to students. The rest of the document outlines and describes the main parts that typically comprise a short story: characters, plot, conflict, setting, timeframe, and theme. It provides examples and brief descriptions for each part.

1. Story Writing

2. What is a Short Story?
A story writing is a work of “fiction or imagination”
that is usually written in easily understandable
language with natural flow of speech.
Story writing is meant to be read at single sitting and
therefore it should be as direct and brief as possible.

3. Types of Short Story Writing
Story writing is done in three ways:
 A visual is given based on which students can write the
entire story
 The outline of the story is given as hints. Students
elaborate it to give it a shape and bring it to a close
 The beginning of the story is given. Students complete it
themselves. They use their imagination and creativity to
give it a course to follow and finally to take it to a logical
end.

4. Parts of a Story
Every story has the same basic parts. This lesson will give you an
overview of the parts of a story.
The main parts of a story are:
 Characters
 Plot
 Conflict
 Setting
 Time Frame
 Theme

5. 1. CHARACTERS
Every story has characters. A character is someone or
something that takes part in actions depicted in the
short story. It could be a living person , a dead person, a
ghost, an imaginary character, a robot, an animal, a toy,
etc.
The golden rule for selecting characters in story writing
is “Fewer are Better” as it becomes easier to convey the
meaning with less characters.

6. 2. PLOT
The plot is the story itself. It is the flesh and muscles of
story writing. It comprises events and characters’ actions.
More creatively you describe and logically connect the
events and actions, stronger the plot would be; and
stronger the plot you create, better interest would it
generate among readers.
A plot has start, body and an end that are linked
sequentially by events and character actions.

7. 3. CONFLICT
Conflict is another term that is related to plot. Every
story has a conflict. This is the issue or problem faced
by the characters. It may be a problem they need to
solve or an adventure you want them to have.

8. 4. SETTING
The setting is where the story takes place. The setting
is often decorated with descriptions of scenes such
as super market, bedroom, crowded metro train, or
drizzling evening, etc. These descriptions are very
important to make reader immerse in the plot.

9. 5. TIME FRAME
Related to setting is the time period. Unit of time
frame may vary from hours to days to weeks to years.
The golden rule in selecting time frame for story
writing is “keep it shorter”. Story writing that has
setting of few hours may typically be clearer and
more effective than with a setting of few months or
years.

10. 6. THEME
The story’s main idea; the “message” the writer
intends to communicate by telling the story.

11. What else?
When you plan a story, begin with a
character/characters, a plot (something for the
character/s to do), and a place and time for the
action of the story to happen. You may be surprised
how many ideas you have for characters, plot, and
setting once you start thinking about them.

12. These things may be based on your own real life
experiences, or they may come completely out of
your imagination.
Think about some of your favorite stories…
How would you describe the characters?
Where do the stories take place?
What is the story about?

13. I got up in the middle of the night, I was sweating
profusely….Complete the story in about 150-200
words.

14. A Narrow Escape
I got up in the middle of the night, I was sweating profusely. I switched on the light
only to find that there was some kind of electricity failure. I came out f the room to get
some fresh air. It was stormy outside and that might have been the reason for the
electricity failure. I drank cold water, took a chair and sat in the verandah. Suddenly, I
heard a loud shriek. It was coming from our neighbour’s house. I was so confused, now
what to do. Then I gathered courage and went inside to fetch a torch. I took the torch
and started moving towards my neighbour’s house. I peeped inside from the window
and saw two people who were covering the owners at gunpoint. I stepped back and
started thinking of my next step. At that moment I heard a motor bike approaching
near. It was cobra police on their patrolling. I signaled to them. They stopped and asked
me the reason for stopping them. I told them the whole story. They immediately went
inside to help the old couple. The miscreants were shocked at the sudden arrival of the
police. They tried to escape but the policeman took prompt action and caught them.
We heaved a sigh of relief. Suddenly, the whole area was illuminated as the power
supply had resumed. The old couple saw me and thanked me for my sharp wittedness.

15. Write a story in about 200 words starting with the
line “Once upon a time…”