SH1617

Elements of a Short Story/Play

Element
Character

Description
It refers to a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of
a story or other literary work. S/he is placed in a situation that contains a problem
s/he must overcome; therefore, conflict exists.
Protagonist: The main character of the story.
Antagonist: This character opposes the protagonist. Often, s/he is an opponent to
the main character and is sometimes right and justified in his/her actions.

Setting

It involves the time and place in which the story happens. Authors often use
descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons, or weather to provide a
strong sense of setting.

Plot

It pertains to a series of events and character actions that relate to the central
conflict.

Conflict

It relates to the struggle between two (2) people or things in a short story. The main
character is usually on one side of the central conflict.
On the other side, the main character may struggle against another important
character, against the forces of nature, against society, or even against something
inside himself or herself (feelings, emotions, and illness).

Theme

It highlights the central idea or belief in the story.

References:
http://blisscarman.nbed.nb.ca/sites/blisscarman.nbed.nb.ca/files/noteattach/teacher/30/five_elements
_of_the_short_story.pdf
http://users.aber.ac.uk/jpm/ellsa/ellsa_elements.html
04 Handout 1

*Property of STI
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