Short Story Elements & Other Literary Terms
Plot — The sequence of events in a story
Exposition — An author's introduction to the characters, setting, and
situation at the beginning of the story
Narrative Hook — The point in a story or novel at which the author
catches the reader's attention by presenting an interesting problem or
situation
Rising Action — The part of the plot that adds complication to the plot's
problems and increases reader interest
Climax — The point of greatest emotional intensity, interest, or suspense in
a story. It is usually the point at which the protagonist either succeeds or
fails
Falling Action — The action that follows the climax
Resolution — The part of a plot that concludes the falling action by
revealing or suggesting the outcome of the conflict
Conflict — The struggle between two opposing forces
External Conflict — A character struggles against some outside
force
Internal Conflict — A struggle within the mind of a character who is torn
between opposing feelings or goals
Antagonist — The character or force that opposes the protagonist in the story
Protagonist — The central character in a story, the one upon whom the action
centers
Setting — The time and place in which a story happens
Irony — A contrast between what is said and what is really meant, or between
what happens and what we feel should happen
Verbal Irony — Is the use of words that say the opposite of what is really
meant. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony
Situational Irony — This occurs when an event in a story turns out the
opposite of what would normally be expected
Dramatic Irony — This occurs when the reader knows something the
characters do not know
Concept — an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances,
such as death, trust, loyalty and other “big ideas”
Subconcept — A slightly more specific take on the abstract or generic idea, such
as avoiding death, or trusting your employees, or loyalty among friends
Theme — The author’s unique view of the subconcept
Point of View — The vantage point from which a story is told
First Person — When a story is told by a character in a story, some “I”, it
is told from the first person point of view
Third Person Limited — When a story is told by a non-character whose
knowledge of the people and events in the story is limited
Third Person Omniscient — This story teller, unlike the one above, knows
everything of the people and events of the story (Omnis is Latin for “all”
and sciens means “knowing.”)
Characterization — The author’s purposeful attempt at describing or painting a
verbal picture of a character’s internal and external attributes
Internal Characterization — The characterization of internal
attributes, such as personality, values, beliefs, emotions and
mental state
External Characterization — The characterization of physical
attributes, such as appearance
Static Character — A character whose attributes remain constant over the
course of a story
Dynamic Character — A character whose attributes change over the
course of a story. It is often said that this person grows, learns something
or changes values or beliefs
Symbol — An object, person, a place, or an event which has meaning in itself but
which also stands for something broader than itself, such as an idea or an
emotion
Allegory (n.) — The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters,
figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form
Foreshadowing — A hint given by the writer about something that will happen
later in the story. Foreshadowing increases the reader’s feeling of suspense
Metaphor — A figure of speech which compares to unlike things, but which seem
alike in a meaningful way
Simile — A figure of speech much like a metaphor, but which makes a
meaningful comparison using the words like or as
Personification — A figure of speech in which inanimate objects or abstractions
are represented with human qualities or form
Short Story Vocabulary Words
Directions: Using m-w.com, find the definitions, parts of speech and synonyms
for the following words from within these short stories. Assignments and quiz will
follow.
First 10 Words
1. Condone (v.) — ______________________________________________
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2. Peril (n.) — __________________________________________________
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3. Elude (v.) — _________________________________________________
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4. Futile (adj.) — _______________________________________________
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5. Foresight (n.) — _____________________________________________
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6. Mockery (n.) — ______________________________________________
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7. Vehemently (adv.) — _________________________________________
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8. Waned (v.) — _______________________________________________
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9. Vex (v.) — __________________________________________________
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10. Stifled (v.) — _______________________________________________
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Directions: Using m-w.com, find the definitions, parts of speech and synonyms
for the following words from within these short stories. Assignments and quiz will
follow.
SECOND 10 WORDS
11. Acute (adj.) — ______________________________________________
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12. Allegory (n.) — _____________________________________________
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13. Extremity (n.) — ____________________________________________
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14. Pestilence (n.) — ___________________________________________
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15. Eccentric (n.) — _____________________________________________
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16. Gaudy (adj.) — _____________________________________________
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17. Entrails (n.) — _____________________________________________
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18. Reiterate (v.) — _____________________________________________
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19. Invalid (n.) — ______________________________________________
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20. Imminent (adj.) — __________________________________________
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The Most Dangerous Game
By Richard Connell
Concepts Explored in this Story:
plot, exposition, narrative hook, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution,
protagonist, antagonist, setting, conflict, external conflict, internal conflict,
theme, point of view.
Assignments:
1. Vocabulizations — For the first 10 words of on the vocabulary list, draw
detailed pictures featuring each vocabulary word.
Below the picture, you must use the vocabulary word in a sentence that contains
a context that implies you understand the word and how to use it, and one free
modifier phrase — 20 points (AAA).
2. “Dangerous Game” Movie Pitch — I’ll admit that the first time I saw The
Blair Witch Project, I walked the dark streets back to my apartment twitching with
terror. Of course, it didn’t help that those dark streets were lined with even
darker patches of mini-forest. I bravely walked past the first patch of woods, but
when a faint sound came from the second patch of semi-woodland, I bolted for a
good 200 yards until I re-entered civilization and streetlights. While the setting of
Blair Witch really captivated me, the setting of “The Most Dangerous Game”
captivates us in a frighteningly similar way. If you were going to direct the movie
The Most Dangerous Game, how would you do it? In a letter to a big-shot
Hollywood producer, write a request to make the movie. If they agree to make
the movie, you will have an unlimited budget. Pay particular attention to setting.
How would you make it as frightening as possible? Where would it take place?
Who would you cast in the roles? Where would you shoot it? How would you shoot
it? Would you have it narrated or would you just have it acted out? These are all
questions to consider in your request to that big-shot Hollywood producer. But
don’t just make requests. Explain why you think something should be done this
way or that way.
* 200 words is the minimum length requirement, and your letter should
contain at least two vocabulary words and four identifiable free modifier
phrases — 20 points (AAA).
“The Most Dangerous Game” Notes:
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The Cask of Amontillado
By Edgar Allan Poe
Concepts Explored this Story:
irony, dramatic irony, situational irony, verbal irony, plot, exposition, narrative
hook, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, protagonist, antagonist,
setting, conflict, external conflict, internal conflict,
Assignments:
1. Unscramble the plot exercise — Somebody dropped the plot all over the
place, and now “The Cask of Amontillado” is all mixed up. Using what is given, put
this plot back together again — 10 points (AA).
2. Is it Ironic or isn’t it? — Using Alanis Morissette’s Ironic determine what is
and what is not ironic in her song. Use the specific vocabulary such as dramatic
irony, verbal irony, and situational irony in your explanations. Use the white
space at the right side of the song lyrics for your explanations and notes.
3. Irony in “The Cask of Amontillado” — Explain each instance of irony from
the short story. Be sure to use words like verbal irony, dramatic irony and
situational irony in your explanations — 10 points (AA).
4. Creating a Single Effect — Poe believed that a good short story should
produce a single effect. Most readers would agree that the effect produced in “The
Cask of Amontillado” is the feeling of horror. Your task is to write a descriptive
paragraph that will give your reader a single strong impression. For example,
suppose you are describing your room. Do you want to give an impression of
messiness, peacefulness, tidiness, or coziness? If describing a room does not
appeal to you, try one of these scenes:
Scene
A severe storm
A crowd
A close game
A dark and empty house
Single Effect
discomfort or misery
confusion
excitement
fear
Requirements for the Single Effect Assignment:
1. Your title is simple the single effect you are trying to achieve.
2. You must use and underline at least two noun phrases as free
modifiers.
3. You must use and circle at least three present participle phrases as
free modifiers.
4. You must use and box in at least two past participle phrases as free
modifiers.
5. Your descriptive scene must be at least 200 words — 20 points (AAA).
“The Cask of Amontillado” Notes:
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Straightening Out the Plot
Directions: Place the appropriate number on the line in accordance with the plot
sequence. You will use numbers more than once, but you might not use all numbers,
depending upon your take on the short story.
1. exposition
2. narrative hook
3. rising action
5. falling action
6. resolution
7. conflict
4. climax
____ He had a weak point—this Fortunato—although in other regards he was a man to
be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine.
____ “He! he! he!—he! he! he!—yes, the Amontillado. But is it not getting late? Will not
they be awaiting us at the palazzo, the Lady Fortunato and the rest? Let us be gone.”
“Yes,” I said, “let us be gone.”
____ I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my
smile now was at the thought of his immolation.
____ A moment more and I had fettered him to the granite... From one of these
depended a short chain, from the other a padlock. Throwing the links about his waist, it
was but the work of a few seconds to secure it.
____ I soon uncovered a quantity of building stone and mortar. With these materials and
with the aid of my trowel, I began vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche.
____ It was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival
season, that I encountered my friend.
____ I thrust a torch through the remaining aperture and let it fall within. There came
forth in return only a jingling of bells. My heart grew sick—on account of the dampness of
the catacombs. I hastened to make an end of my labor. I forced the last stone into its
position; I plastered it up.
____ The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he
ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge.
____ “Come, let us go.”
“Whither?”
“To your vaults.”
“My friend, no; I will not impose upon your good nature. I perceive you have an
engagement. Luchesi—”
“I have no engagement—come.”
Ironic
By Alanis Morissette
An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
Isn't it ironic... don't you think?
Chorus:
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
"Well isn't this nice..."
And isn't it ironic... don't you think?
Repeat Chorus
Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face
A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic...don't you think?
A little too ironic...and yeah I really do think...
Repeat Chorus
Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out
How is it Ironic?
Directions: Each of the following is ironic. Identify the kind of irony each is, and
then describe how or why it is ironic. Complete sentences are worth more than
incomplete sentences.
1. Montresor says, “My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met.” ______________
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2. Fortunato, dressed in costume, is out to have a good time at the carnival when
he meets Montresor.
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3. The reader knows of Montresor’s intentions. _________________________
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4. Fortunato. ____________________________________________________
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5. Fortunato exclaims “Good!” when he learns that the motto on the Montresors’
coat of arms is “No one injures me without punishment.”
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6. Montresor says to Fortunato, “Your health is precious.” ________________
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7. Fortunato is eager to get to the Amontillado. ________________________
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The Masque of the Red Death
By Edgar Allan Poe
Concepts Explored this Story:
Observation, Inference, Deduction, Foreshadowing, Third Person Point of View
Limited, Third Person Point of View Omniscient, Symbolism, Allegory, Protagonist,
Antagonist, External Conflict, Irony
Assignments:
1. Vocabulizations — For the second 10 words of on the vocabulary list, draw
detailed pictures featuring each vocabulary word.
Below the picture, you must use the vocabulary word in a sentence that contains
a context that implies you understand the word and how to use it, and one free
modifier phrase — 20 points (AAA).
2. Write a six-paragraph essay in which you explain why a reader could come to
the conclusion that Edgar Allan Poe understood this fact: Death is inescapable.
Use information from the Poe biographical video, his short story “The Masque of
the Red Death,” and William Shakespeare’s “The Seven Ages of Man,” to support
this conclusion.
Guidelines:
• Write a funneled introductory paragraph that follows this format:
• Use passages from the poem and the short story to support your thesis
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Mix at least two direct quotations from the short story into your writing
Mix at least one direct quotation from the poem into your writing
In your writing, make reference to Poe’s life as it applies to this essay task
Use parenthetical citations and a works cited page to indicate borrowed work
• Use standard forms of modern written English in this literary paper
• Double space your work and use 12-point Times New Roman font only
• Provide a cover page for this essay (name, period, date, title)
9
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PLANNING: The extent to which the writer maps out his or her writing in outline and rough draft
form.
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6
MEANING: The extent to which the writer understands the task and does so by making insightful
connections that are beyond literal interpretation or expression
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2
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5
6
DEVELOPMENT: The extent to which the writer strengthens and lengthens the writing with specific
supporting details and examples that are mixed in smoothly with his/her own writing, and fully
explains how the details and examples support the task’s focus. The writer also moves well from idea
to idea with the use of transitions (for example, for instance, however, moreover, in addition, in
contrast)
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2
3
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6
ORGANIZATION: The extent to which the writer’s organization is acceptable in these two ways: (1)
organization of ideas in a logical sequence, and (2) structure of essay (introductory paragraph, body
paragraphs and concluding paragraph, correct margins, indentation, font and font size and title page).
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LANGUAGE USE: The extent to which the writer uses Christensen knowledge to strengthen the
maturity of the writing by varying the complexity of sentence structure, uses effective words and
phrases to convey ideas, and moves around in time using appropriate verbs and verb tenses.
1
2
3
4
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6
CONVENTIONS: The extent to which the writer exhibits control over the following language
conventions: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, paragraphing, grammar and usage.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Score __________ x 2 = Double Grade Score ____________
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Notes on “The Masque of the Red Death”
Allegory (n.) — The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or
events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form
Tuberculosis and the Red Death?
Related to Allegory, it is important to note that three of the most important women in Poe's
life died of tuberculosis. Although the "pestilence'' in ‘‘The Masque of the Red Death’’ is not
defined, it seems reasonable to assume that it is inspired in some ways by Poe's experience
with tuberculosis. The distinguishing mark of the "Red Death'' is profuse bleeding, just as
the distinguishing sign of tuberculosis is the coughing up of blood. According to Britannica
Online, tuberculosis, often referred to in literature as "consumption," is ‘‘one of the great
scourges of mankind.’’ The disease ‘‘reached near-epic proportions’’ in industrializing urban
areas in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. During this time, it was ‘‘the leading cause
of death for all age groups in the Western world.''
The Meaning of Masque
Masque, a French word meaning "face-mask," refers to a form of indoor courtly
entertainment popular during the Renaissance that was characterized by song, spectacular
display, dance, and of course, masquerade. The term first appeared in the 16th century at
the peak of the masque's popularity in Italy. The masque was designed for a specific
occasion, usually some event associated with the life of the court.
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Handling Direct Quotations
Example
Had Circe never influenced this part of Odysseus’s voyage, it is doubtful that
crew and ship would have even survived the sail past the strange island of
sirens. The crew surely would have added to the other “‘bones / of dead men
rotting in a pile beside [the Sirens]’” (763, 1189-90).
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•
•
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Mix direct quotations into your writing so that they flow with your words
Select short to medium length quotations to work with
If you can say it better than the direct quotation, paraphrase using only your words
Use [brackets] if a direct passage doesn’t quite fit. Simply replace a word or two, but
not much more than one or two words
• For a short story, cite the author and page number in parentheses after the passage
• For a poem, cite the author, page numbers and lines in parentheses after the passage
Works Cited Page Formulas
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The Seven Ages of Man
By William Shakespeare
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All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms;
Then the whining school-boy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lin'd,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well sav'd, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion;
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
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The Scarlet Ibis
By James Hurst
Concepts Explored this Story:
Protagonist, Antagonist, Point of View, Setting, Elements of Plot, Conflict,
Foreshadowing, Theme, Symbolism, Dynamic Character, Expository Essay, Thesis
Statement, Supporting Detail, Body Paragraph, Concluding Paragraph
Assignments:
1. Vocabulary Quiz — Definitions, parts of speech, synonyms and spelling quiz
on all 20 short story vocabulary words (words 1-20) — 40 (M).
2. “The Scarlet Ibis” Introductory Paragraphs — This assignment asks you
to write three separate introductory paragraphs based on the four essay prompts
on the next page. Be sure to follow the formula for funneled introductory
paragraphs we’ve discussed in class on several occasions — 40 points (M).
Essay Prompts Below
Select 3 of 4 Essay Prompts and follow the directions for this introductory
paragraph assignment on the previous page:
(A) In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst effectively uses foreshadowing to give
readers a glimpse into what the future might hold. Explain in a 400-word
expository essay how Hurst uses foreshadowing to give readers a peek at the end
of his short story.
(B) The color red appears several times in “The Scarlet Ibis.” There is a bleeding
tree, the scarlet ibis, a red nightshade bush, and Doodle’s blood. Given that red
usually suggests courage and a martyr’s death, explain in a 400-word expository
essay why red is a suitable symbolic color for this story?
(C) The scarlet ibis is a major symbol in the short story — it is a real bird in the
story, but it is also a symbol of something else. It is clear that the writer wants us
to see similarities between Doodle and the fallen bird. In a 400-word expository
essay, discuss at least two specific ways Doodle and the scarlet ibis alike and how
the bird could be seen as a symbol of Doodle and his unusual spirit.
(D) A theme in “The Scarlet Ibis” reveals a truth about the effects of love and
pride. In a 400-word expository essay, state this theme in a complete sentence
and explain how at least two passages from the story suggest or exemplify this
theme.
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What are Ibises?
Classification: Ibises belong to the same order as herons, storks and flamingos. The
family Threskiornithidae contains 17 genera of ibises and 3 closely related genera of
spoonbills. They are long legged wading birds closely related behaviorally and
morphologically to flamingos and pelicans.
Range: Swamps and marshes in the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world.
Adaptation: The long bill and neck, long legs and partly webbed feet of the ibises are
adaptations for their semi-aquatic life. They probe shallow water, mud and grass for
small invertebrates and vertebrates, and find their food more by touch than by sight.
The long, broad wings give these birds great flexibility. When the swamps and
marshes in which they breed dry up, they can go long distances in search of
more suitable habitats.
Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) - Wholly red plumage, red bill and legs, and black wing
tips. It is the most flamboyant of the ibises, and ranges from Colombia and Venezuela
south to Brazil. It is commonly found in the mud flats and mangrove swamps of the
Orinoco delta region and the coastal lagoons of Trinidad. This brilliant New World relative
of the white ibis will also occasionally stray as far north as the shore of the Gulf of
Mexico. The color is food-enhanced and captive animals must be supplemented with such
as flamen oil.
Short Story Vocabulary Bingo
Game 1
Game 2