Short stories are read for interest and most of them have a point to make. It is a brief narrative with a series of related incidents carefully arranged. This is called a PLOT. There is a form of CONFLICT and then an OUTCOME in the Plot. A short story is to entertain, it broadens and builds upon one's experience, and it promotes a better understanding of human behavior.

A. SETTING (background)

Every short story has a background or setting such as:

(1) Place: where did the events take place.

(2) Time: when did the events happen.

(3) Introduction: introduces the mood and the characters

B. ATMOSPHERE

This discusses the MOOD or spirit of the story. It can be seen at the beginning of the story and then later throughout the story.

C. CHARACTERS

The incidents and characters of a short story fit the background or setting. A short story has very few characters. It usually has one main character that is always in the spotlight. The main character is always engaged in a struggle or conflict. The characters can be:

(1) Dynamic (one who grows or develops during the action)

(2) Static (one who remains the same throughout the action)

(3) Flat (have only one or two traits: can be summed up in one sentence)

(4) Round (complex and many-sided)

D. PLOT

It tells what happens in a story. Like a builder of a house--the story builder follows a plan when he builds a story. The authors plan or pattern is called a PLOT.

The plot is a series of closely related events that happen to the main character. The main character is called the Protagonist. A situation develops where the protagonist finds himself in a series of CONFLICTS. These conflicts are with his Antagonist who could be another person, nature, or various sources.