A FICTION MINIREADER

Guide to College Reading, 8/e

Kathleen T. McWhorter

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

PowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-MartinSt. Cloud State University, MN

The Six Elements of a Short Story

1. PLOT2. SETTING3. CHARACTERIZATION4. POINT OF VIEW5. TONE6. THEME

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

The Six Elements of a Short Story: Plot

The plot is the basic story line. It is the sequence of events as they occur in the work. It often focuses on conflict. It frequently begins by setting the scene, introducing the

main characters, and providing the background information needed to follow the story.

Next, there is often a complication or problem that arises.

Suspense builds. Near the end there is a climax where the conflict is

decided. The conclusion follows where the story ends.

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

The Six Elements of a Short Story: Setting

The setting is the time, place, and circumstances under which the action occurs.

It provides the mood or atmosphere in which the characters interact.

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

The Six Elements of a Short Story: Characterization

Characters are the actors in a narrative story. They reveal themselves through dialogue, their

actions, appearance, thoughts, and feelings. The narrator, or person who tells the story, may

also comment on or reveal information about the characters.

Analyze the character’s traits and motives; analyze their personalities and watch for character changes.

Study how characters relate to one another.

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

The Six Elements of a Short Story: Point of View

The point of view refers to the way the story is presented or the person from whose perspective the story is told.

Often the story is not told from the narrator’s perspective.

Determine the role and function of the narrator: reliable, knowledgeable?

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

The Six Elements of a Short Story: Tone

The tone or mood of a story reflects the author’s attitude.

Tone suggests feelings. Contributors to tone: author’s choice

of detail, language, etc. The narrator’s description of the

characters and their actions infer tone.

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

The Six Elements of a Short Story: Theme

The theme of the story is its meaning or message; its main idea or main point.

Themes are often large, universal ideas dealing with life and death, human values, or existence.

Ask: “What is the author trying to say about life by telling the story?”

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers

“The Story of an Hour” [page 514]

PLOT:SETTING:CHARACTERIZATION:POINT OF VIEW:TONE:THEME:

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Longman Publishers