Monday: Ten minute free write
Use the photo as a writing prompt if you need to.
Elements of a Short Story
English 9
Elements of a Short Story
1.
Character
2.
Setting
3.
Plot
4.
Point of View / Foreshadowing
5.
Irony
6.
Theme
1. Characters
1. Character Traits: are the qualities of a
certain person, whether they are physical
or emotional.You determine some traits by
observing the way a character looks.You
observe other traits by paying attention to
the way the character behaves.
Some Examples


Jesse had no idea how deep the river was. He
just jumped.
Trait: reckless
Amanda had no idea why everyone else was
laughing as she strolled around the room in
mismatched shoes.
 Trait: clueless



Susan jumped every time the door opened.
Trait: jittery
1. Characters
There are six terms we will use to
define and describe characters. They are:
2. Protagonist: The main character(s) in
the story. He/she always faces a conflict.
3. Antagonist: The character(s) or force
that is in conflict with the protagonist. In
some cases, this might not even be a
living thing.
Protagonist = Main Character

Some Examples:

Can you list five other examples?
Antagonist = Protagonist’s conflict

Some Examples:

Can you list five other antagonists?
Thank You Ma’am

Read “Thank You Ma’am” Crossroads 9 –
Page 72
◦ 1. What are five character traits of the
woman? Of the boy?
◦ 2. Identify the protagonist and antagonist of
the story.
If you do not finish the questions in class, they can be taken home to
complete. They must be done for the next day.
Entry Card

Think back to yesterdays story, “Thank
you Ma’am”. If you were in the woman’s
position would you have helped the boy?
Is it realistic that she had helped him?
1. Characters
4. Round: Fully developed characters who are
complex and realistic. The reader is exposed to
different sides of their personality, lifestyle, and
interests. Clear and realistic character traits.
5. Flat: Characters who are less developed
(often stereotypical) – they are usually minor
characters and less realistic.
Round vs. Flat
Is the woman in “Thank you Ma’am” an
example of a round or flat character?
 Why?

1. Characters
6. Dynamic: A character who undergoes a
change in personality. He/she is affected by
the events, and it has changed his/her
personality, behavior, or perspective on life.
7. Static: A character whose personality
remains the same throughout the story.
He/she is unchanged by the events that
have happened.
Static vs. Dynamic
Is the boy in “Thank you Ma’am” an
example of a static or dynamic character?
 Why?

Weekly Assignment
Writing a Character Sketch
Read “Coffee, Snacks and Worms” and
write a two paragraph character sketch on
either the “protagonist” or the “antagonist”
“Coffee, Snacks and Worms” is on page 87
of the CrossRoads book
Paragraphs
Paragraphs

You must have a clear idea of what the
paragraph is going to be about.

This is because a paragraph is
essentially a collection of sentences
which all relate to one central topic.

Without a definite idea of what the
main topic is, your paragraph will lack
focus and unity.
Topic Sentences

What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a
paragraph.

What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph.
Indicate to the reader what your paragraph
will be about. GRAB THE READERS
ATTENTION!
Two Parts
Topic sentences are usually made of two parts.
One part is the topic.
The other part is the controlling idea.
The controlling idea limits what you will say
about the topic. Both parts are needed if you
want to make a good topic sentence
Question

Why would a writer want to limit what
they will write about a topic?

Why is it important to have one idea for
one paragraph?
Review

Review your character sketch from
“Coffee, Snack and Worms”.
Is there one main idea in each paragraph?
 Do you have good topic sentences?

Handout

With a partner complete the topic
sentence handout together.
Independent Reading

Independent reading of your novel for
fifteen minutes

Write a one paragraph character sketch
about a character in your novel. You will
have the remaining time in class to work
on this. If you do not complete it, finish it
for homework.
Thursday - Entry Card
Proof Read and edit your one paragraph
character sketch from your independent
novel.
Review

We will be doing a quick review on
character, paragraphs and, topic sentences.
In class assignment
Compare the protagonist or antagonist
from “Coffee, Snack and Worms” and
“Thank You Ma’am”
Hint: Use your character sketch to help you
write your comparison.
Friday – Book Talk

Ms. Smith will go first. Her book talk will
be about “The Year Of The Flood” by
Margaret Atwood.
Review and Assessment
Review
 Assessment

Friday

We will end Friday’s class with either a
free write or independent reading.