SHORT STORY

ELEMENTS
WORD COUNT
FOR FICTION
 TYPES OF
characters
TWO TYPES OF CHARACTERS:
TWO TYPES OF CHARACTERS:
TWO TYPES OF QUALITIES
CHARACTERS:

ROLES
QUALITIES
DYNAMIC
STATIC
ROUND
FLAT
SYMBOLIC
STOCK
DESCRIBE GRU
HE IS DYNAMIC IN
CHARACTER
DYNAMIC CHARACTERS
× THEY CHANGE OVER TIME
× AS A RESULT OF A CONFLICT
× ARE ALSO CENTRAL CHARACTERS SINCE THEY
RESOLVE THE CONFLICTS THEMSELVES.
 DESCRIBE
cinderella’S
STEP SIZ
THEY ARE static IN
CHARACTER
STATIC CHARACTERS
× A STATIC CHARACTER DOES NOT UNDERGO
SIGNIFICANT CHANGE.
× REMAINS UNCHANGED
× STABLE PERSONALITIES
× MAY BE USED FOR SECONDARY CHARACTERS’
× BOOST OUR SYMPATHY FOR THE
PROTAGONISTS
DESCRIBE
KATNISS
EVERDEEN
SHE IS ROUND IN
CHARACTER
ROUND CHARACTERS
× COMPLEX PERSONALITIES
× VARIED CHARACTER TRAITS
× READERS SEE MORE THAN ONE SIDE OF A
CHARACTER
DESCRIBE
PHOEBE
SHE IS FLAT IN
CHARACTER
FLAT CHARACTERS
× LACKS OF REALISTIC PERSONALITIES
× FALLS SHORT IN COMPLEXITIES
× AKA STOCK CHARACTERS – CONVENTIONAL
AND STEREOTYPICAL IN CHARACTERISTICS.
activity
LOCATE YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE
OF A CIRCLE. IDENTIFY WHO ARE IN
YOUR CIRCLE AND HOW THESE
PEOPLE AFFECT YOU.
Like-minds
Remember, when people agree too ?????
much with you, it might feel
comforting, but what really is
happening, is you are stagnating.
Five people you need in your lif
e
The Dreamer
Some dreamers may be seen as unrealistic or
undisciplined, but they can also be insightful visionaries.
They think of things that others do not. They help you
imagine what if. You feel life’s vitality when you are
around them. Dreamers have a strong tendency to be
highly creative and they make you believe that
everything is possible.
Five people you need in your lif
e
The Supporter
This is the true friend. This is the person with whom you
can let your guard down. They are your comfort zone.
They are your safe haven. Comfort is not all that bad at
times; just remember that you still have to reach for
more. This person will be there with you as you journey
through life and they will journey with you. They are
excited when you realize success and support you in
times of need.
Five people you need in your lif
e
The Driver
The driver brings the dream to reality. They understand
the big picture, but they have the talent to break it
down into actionable steps. They are results-oriented
and are usually decisive, direct and pragmatic. They
may fall to the practical side, but they know how to get
things done and thrive on the thrill of the challenge.
Five people you need in your lif
e
The Motivator
This is your voice of inspiration. They keep pushing you
to meet your goals. They help you understand that
goals are met more frequently when they are tied to a
“higher purpose.” This person infuses you
with energy and enthusiasm.
Five people you need in your lif
e
The Devil’s Advocate
This person is the critical thinker. They ask questions
and lots of them. They see problems before they arise.
This person is crucial because you need their
perspective. They won’t sugarcoat it. They’re blunt, but
they try to look out for you. You may not always like
what they have to say, but they are often the voice of
reason.
You are the
protagonist
The big cheese, the star of
the show, and they’re the
ones we tend to care about
the most.
People who go into conflicts
with you are antagonists
They antagonize. Specifically, you
undermine, thwart, battle, or otherwise
oppose one character: the protagonist.
Your friends are your sidekick
s
AKA deuteragonists, they’re often seen
in the company of the protagonist —
giving advice, plotting against their
rivals, and generally lending a helping
hand.
People you seldom meet are
tertiary characters
They flit in and out of the MC’s life,
perhaps only appearing in one or two
scenes throughout the book.
Of course, the love interest.

Love interests are deuteragonists but not

exclusively.
The best friend is your confida
nt
The protagonist shares their thoughts
and emotions with this person, even
when they’re reluctant to share with
anyone else.
The person that changes you is
a foil
A foil is someone whose personality
and values fundamentally clash with
the protagonist’s. This clash highlights
the MC’s defining attributes, giving us a
better picture of who they truly are.