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Elements of the Short Story. CHARACTER. The plot can only exist with character(s). The main character is placed in a situation that contains a problem he must overcome: therefore, conflict exists. CHARACTER.
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CHARACTER • The plot can only exist with character(s). • The main character is placed in a situation that contains a problem he must overcome: therefore, conflict exists.
CHARACTER • Most stories also have minor characters who either help or hinder the main character's attempt to solve his problem. • When examining character, we must always look at his/her motivation. What makes him/her behave this way?
CHARACTER • Characteristics: internal qualities about a person that does not readily change. • Examples: Human qualities such as bravery, jealousy, cool-headedness in emergencies, leadership, cowardice, gentleness, cruelty
CHARACTER • Antagonist – the person or thing in a story fighting against the main character or protagonist. • Protagonist – the main character in the story. The story is usually told from this person’s point of view.
CHARACTER Antagonist: Voldemort Protagonist: Harry Potter
CHARACTER Protagonist: Batman Antagonist: The Joker
CHARACTER Protagonist: SAD/SOG operative Alex Mason Antagonist: Nikita Dragovich
Characters are...1. Individual - round, many sided and complex personalities. 2. Developing - dynamic, many sided personalities that change, for better or worse, by the end of the story. 3. Static - Stereotype, have one or two characteristics that never change and are emphasized e.g. brilliant detective, drunk, scrooge, cruel stepmother, etc.
SETTING • The time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting. For some stories the setting is very important, while for others it is not. There are several aspects of a story's setting to consider when examining how setting contributes to a story (some, or all, may be present in a story): • place- geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place? • time- When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) • weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? • social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local colour (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)? • mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story? Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?
The introduction has four functions: • It gives the story a setting(when and where the action occurs) • It introduces the characters • It establishes the atmosphere (dramatic, humorous, tragic, suspenseful) • It creates interest and suspense • It is helpful to consider climax as a three-fold phenomenon: • the main character receives new information • accepts this information (realizes it but does not necessarily agree with it) • acts on this information (makes a choice that will determine whether or not he/she gains his objective).
CONFLICT • Conflict is essential to plot. Aproblem or struggle in a story that the main character has to solve or face. There are two types of conflict: • External - A struggle with a force outside one's self. • Internal - A struggle within one's self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, quiet their temper, resist an urge, etc.
THEME • The theme is the general subject matter. It is the author's underlying meaning or main idea that he is trying to convey. THE MAIN IDEA Not the moral, but may relate to a moral. Summed up in one or two words.
The three steps to determining the theme are: • Determine the specific CONFLICT. • Decide what each side of the conflict represents. • How is conflict resolved? Who wins and who loses? • Some simple examples of common themes from literature, TV, and film are: • Things are not always as they appear to be • Love is blind • Believe in yourself • People are afraid of change • Don't judge a book by its cover
