Elements of Short Stories

A short story ALWAYS has a plot! The plot is what happens in the story. It includes:

exposition: the introduction of time, place and characters

Ex. At the beginning of “Toy Story” we are introduced to all the different toys. We are also introduced to the idea that they only move when people aren’t looking.

Conflict: a struggle between two opposing forces

Ex: Woody and Buzz are lost.

Rising action: a series of events that create suspense in a short story

Ex: Woody and Buzz get lost and left at Pizza Planet where they are eventually picked up by Sid

Climax: the turning point in the story; the most intense part of the story

Ex: When Woody and Buzz use the Rocket to get back to Andy

Falling Action: action leading to the solution (happens after the Climax)

Ex. Woody and Buzz drive with Andy to his new house.

Resolution: shows how the situation turns out; how is the conflict solved

Ex. Woody and Buzz return to Andy and move to the new house.

Protagonist: the main character of the story (not always the good guy)

Antagonist: the character who causes the conflict

Theme: the central idea or insight to life present in the story.

Ex. A theme in Toy Story would be that you can always find your way back home.