Setting
The setting tells the reader where and when the story takes place. It also sets forth the background information and creates atmosphere for the story.
Characterization
Characterization is the creation of imaginary people who appear to be real and so believable that the reader feels she knows them. The character's name, physical appearance, actions, words, thoughts, and feelings all contribute to creating this impression. What others say how they feel about a character gives us additional insight into the character. This information is provided by the narrator of the story.
Conflict and Plot
A conflict is a problem in the story that needs to be resolved. A plot is a series of events through which the author reveals what is happening, to whom, and why. Twists and turns in the plot create complications and tension. The point of greatest tension in the story is called the climax. (see attached for a more detailed account of conflict)
Theme
The theme of the story conveys the author's message about people and the world in which we live. The theme is expressed through all the elements of the short story. One story may have several themes which may be expressed in different ways.
Point of View
Point of view refers to the position of the narrator of the story and what the narrator sees from that vantage point. In life, the same event can be seen from different points of view. Basically, there are two positions from which a story can be told: first person and third person although Lorrie Moore is famous for her novel told in second person narration.
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A first person narrator is a character in the story. This narrator uses words like I, me, my, we, our, and us. | |
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A third person narrator is not a character in the story. This narrator used words like he, she, his, her, and they. |
Through point of view, the author tells what is seen from the narrator's position. The author employs the narrator to introduce setting, create characters, present conflicts as well as their solutions, and develop themes.
The author expresses attitude, values, and opinions indirectly, through the narrator. A skillful author can make the reader experience what the narrator sees and feels. In effect, the author "talks" to the reader through the narrator.
(If you study form and theory of fiction, you will find that there are many types of narration, ie., omniscient, limited omniscient, unreliable and so forth, but for our purposes.)
Dialogue
While dialogue is not always an element of every short story, it is prevalent enough to warrant its own section for discussion. Dialogue is conversation between characters. It is used primarily to present and develop characters. Through conversation the author can establish the situation, present actions and ideas, and express themes.
Dialogue, due to the length of a short story, needs to be succinct. It may be the controlling action in the story, but it must further the story. Also the language should be vital, rather than passive.
In a story, we are told what a character says either directly or indirectly. The direct statements of characters are indicated by the use of quotation marks. Indirect quotations report what the reader says. Indirect quotations do not use quotation marks.
DIRECT: The little girl said, "There's a worm in the peach."
INDIRECT: The little girl said that there was a worm in the peach.
