Introduction to Short Stories

Introduction to Short StoriesUNIT 1

What is a Short Story?

Brief work of fictionMain character faces

a central conflict

1. ProtagonistMain character Changes due to experiences in the

storyName one protagonist from a book or

story you read last year

2. Antagonist Major character who opposes the protagonist

Does not change 3 Types:

peoplenaturesociety

3. Conflict A struggle between two opposing forces 2 Types:

Internal – within character’s mind (man vs. self) External – character against outside force

Man vs. ManMan vs. NatureMan vs. Society

4. PlotSeries of events that make up the story

5. ThemeThe central message or insight into

life

6. Foreshadowing Clues writer uses to show

what’s to come

7. IronyA contrast between expectation

and reality 3 types: Verbal, Situational, Dramatic

Which one? Calling a clumsy basketball player “Michael Jordan”

8. SuspenseUncertainty or anxiety the reader feels

about what is going to happen next in a story.

What can cause anxiety in a story?

Edgar Allan Poe Born in Boston, MA in 1809 Mother died when he was only 2; father left the

family Foster mother died shortly after Poe found delirious on the streets in 1849 Last words said to be, “Lord help my poor soul” Famous Works: The Cask of Amontillado, The

Raven, The Fall of the House of Usher

“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Has anyone ever done anything to you that made you want to get revenge on that person? What did they do? How did you seek revenge?

How did seeking that revenge make you feel? Why?