PARTS OF A
SHORT STORY
Student Notes
Plot Diagram
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PLOT DIAGRAM
Plot
(definition)
• Plot is the organized
pattern or sequence
of events that make
up a story. Every
plot is made up of a
series of incidents
that are related to
one another.
1. Exposition
• This usually occurs at the beginning of a short
story. Here the characters are introduced. We also
learn about the setting of the story. Most
importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict
(main problem).
2. Rising Action
• This part of the story begins to
develop the conflict(s). A building
of interest or suspense occurs.
3. Climax
• This is the turning point of the story.
Usually the main character comes face
to face with a conflict. The main
character will change in some way.
4. Falling Action
• All loose ends
of the plot are
tied up. The
conflict(s) and
climax are
taken care of.
5. Resolution
• The story
comes to a
reasonable
ending.
Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
Beginning of
Story
Middle of Story
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
End of Story
CONFLICT
• Conflict is the problem in the story that the
character must overcome.
• Man vs. Man
• Man vs. Self
• Man vs. Society
• Man vs. Nature
• Internal Conflict vs. External Conflict
Characterization
• Characterization is the process by which the
writer reveals the personality of a character.
Characterization is revealed through direct
and indirect characterization.
• Direct Characterization tells the audience
what the personality of the character is.
• Indirect Characterization shows things that
reveal the personality of a character.
Characterization
• There are five different methods of indirect
characterization:
– Speech: What does the character say? How does the
character speak?
– Thoughts: What is revealed through the character’s private
thoughts and feelings?
– Effect: on others toward the character. What is revealed
through the character’s effect on other people? How do
other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character
– Actions: What does the character do? How does the
character behave?
– Looks: What does the character look like? How does the
character dress?
Point of View
• 1st Person – The story is told from the “I”
point of view. The character tells his/her
own story.
• 2nd Person – The “you” point of view. Not
used very often.
• 3rd Person – an outside narrator tells the
story.
Theme
• A theme is the main idea, or message,
of an essay, paragraph, or a book. The
message may be about life, society, or
human nature. Themes often explore
timeless and universal ideas and may
be implied rather than stated explicitly.