Elements of a Short Story

1. Setting- tells the reader where and when the story takes place.
2. Characterization- creation of imaginary people who appear to be
real to the reader. The writer gives information about the
characters in the story.
3. Plot- A series of events that happens in the story.
Elements of Plot
A. Exposition- gives background information at the beginning of the
story. It introduces the setting, characters, conflict, and
sometimes, what happened in the past.
B. Rising action- the part where the conflict starts getting obvious
and suspense begins to build as the main characters fight to solve
the problem.
C. Climax- the turning point or the point at which the conflict is
resolved.
D. Falling Action- The effects of the climax are shown in this part. The
suspense is lower but the results of the decision or action from
the climax are worked out.
E. Resolution – tells how the struggle ends and ties up and loose end
of the plot
4. Theme- the ―message‖ presented through the characters and the
plot.
5. Point of view- the position of the narrator of the story and what the
writer sees from the vantage point.
-1st Person (I, me…)
-3rd Person (He, She, They, Them)
6. Mood- the feeling that the writer wants the reader to get from a
work of literature such as excitement, anger, sadness, happiness, or
pity.
7. Tone- the element that reflects the writer‘s attitude towards his or
her subject. It might be humorous, admiring, sad, angry or bitter,
depending on how the writer feels about the subject.