Elements of Fictions (Short Story)

1. Exposition (E)

2. ​Rising Action (RA)

3. Climax (C)

4. Falling Action (FA)

5. Resolution/Denouement​ (D)

It is the beginning of the story. We know who the characters are and where the story occurs. It should be interesting to incite readers.

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b. R snatches MJ's purse.​

It is the basic problem in a plot. Rising action is where the events in the story become complicated; and the conflict in the story is revealed.

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n. MJ kicks the boy​

g. MJ asks why he steals her purse

e. MJ doesn't let him loose​

It is the turning point of the story. We wonder what will happen next? Will the conflict be resolved or not? Climax is the most tense point of the action.

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h. MJ drags the boy home.

c. MJ asks his name​

k. MJ asks the boy to wash his face

a. MJ lets him sit, and if he runs away, he can.​

j. R sits furthest away from the door to make him trustworthy.​

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The stage where complications begin to resolve finally. We know what has happened next. We know if the conflict is resolved or not.​

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d. MJ gives him something to eat.

f. MJ gives him some money to buy the shoes.

l. MJ lets him go.​

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The stage where complications begin to resolve finally. We know what has happened next. We know if the conflict is resolved or not.​

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i. MJ tells him to behave well.

m. R can only say "Thank You"​

Usually, the characters in a short story are people, but they may be animals, machines, robots, or whatever the writer creates.​

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Characters in "Thank You, Mam" : Mrs. Jones, Roger, the passersbay, other roomers​

It is the information the author gives to us about the characters themselves. It is the means by which characters create lifelike, vivid characters.​

Direct Method : The writer's tell something outright about the character's personality

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Indirect Method: When the writer tells the traits of the character by describing the character's words, thoughts, actions, and appearance.​ Another indirect method of characterization is through other character's comments or reactions toward a certain character.

The central idea in a story. It is the lesson or the message that conveys what the readers want to understand and remember in the story. Theme is different from topic. "Love" is a topic; "Love conquers all" is a theme. ​

It is the background in which the short story is set. It is where and when the short story takes place. Setting provides situation for the story's actions to happen. ​

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Geography, weather, time of day, social conditions, etc are settings to be examined carefully: what role do they play in the story? Are they significant to the plot or theme? In what way the story's setting contributes to characterization?​

First-person POV:

Telling the story of your own​

Referring to yourself as "I"

Using me, mine, my, we, us.

​Third-person POV:

Telling the story as someone else's

Referring to all characters by name or as he, she, or they.

Using his, hers, theirs, him, her, them.​