Short Story Elements

1
Short Story Elements

• Don Pardlow

2
Definition of a Short Story

• For the sake of making a convenient guide for
  examination, let us use Edgar Allan Poe's
  definition a short story is a narrative whose
  parts (plot complication, characterization,
  atmosphere, theme, tone, diction, etc.) are
  coordinated to create a single effect on the
  reader.

3
I. Plot, Complication, and Drama

• A. What types of dramatic conflict are there in
  fiction?

4
1. Person vs. Person

• The protagonist and antagonist are engaged in a
  physical conflict.
• This usually is a Good Guy vs. Bad Guy story.
• The drama intensifies with each successive event.

5
2. Person vs. Self
Double-click to add graphics

• The protagonist is engaged in a psychological
  conflict.
• The protagonist's good side is in conflict with
  one of his or her destructive or evil tendencies.

6
3. Person vs. Nature

• The protagonist is engaged in a dual conflict
• The conflict is physical between the protagonist
  and the setting.
• The conflict is psychological between the
  protagonist and his or her fears.

7
B. How are the events of a story usually
arranged?
8
The events (complications) of the plot create a
dramatically ascending series of crises.