Elements Of Short Stories

Question 1

Characters

Answer 1

The people or animals that take place in a story’s action.

Question 2

Motivation

Answer 2

The reason for acting as the characters do.

Question 3

Conflict

Answer 3

Central problem or struggle that characters face.

Question 4

Plot

Answer 4

The sequence of events in a story. Events are often presented in a chronological order, though they may be told out of sequence.

Question 5

Setting

Answer 5

The time and place of a story. The setting can create mood, or atmosphere.

 - time period 
 - season of year/time of day 
 - climate and weather 
 - culture and social systems or traditions

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Atmosphere

Question 7

Point of view

Answer 7

The perspective from which a story is told.

Question 8

Theme

Answer 8

The central message expressed in a story. A theme is a general truth or observation about life or human nature.

Question 9

Direct characterization

Answer 9

The author describes a character.

Question 10

Indirect characterization

Answer 10

The author reveals a character through speech and actions.

Question 11

Exposition

Answer 11

Introduces the situations

Question 12

Rising action

Answer 12

Introduces the conflict

Question 13

Climax

Answer 13

The turning point

Question 14

Falling action

Answer 14

When the conflict eases.

Question 15

Resolution

Answer 15

The conclusion.

Question 16

Short story

Answer 16

A brief work of fiction that takes readers on a quick, focused journey.