Short Story Analysis Worksheet STORY TITLE __________________________

As you read, jot down 3 questions that come to mind.

1.

2.

3.

Setting
What is the setting—the time and location?
How important are these elements in the
story? Could it be set in another time or
place just as well?
Characters
Who are the characters in the story?

Characterization
Who is the main character? Describe
him/her. Does this person’s character
change during the course of the story?

Tone
Describe the tone of the story. How does the
author create the tone? What are some
textual examples that highlight the tone?
Imagery
What pictures could you visualize as you
read the story?

Point of View
What narrative perspective is the story told
from?
Conflict Internal
List and describe the different types of
conflict from the story.
Which were internal (self vs. self) and which
were external (self vs. person, society or nature) External

Theme
What is the main idea of the story? Theme
differs from the subject in that it involves a
statement or opinion about the subject
 Copy a line from the story that best represents each part of the plot.

 Does surprise play an important role in the plot? Is there foreshadowing? Does the author use
flashbacks?

 Is anything about the story ironic?

 Is there any symbolism in the story? How does the author make you aware of symbolic actions,
people, or objects?

 How does the title relate to the other elements in the story and to the overall meaning?