Short Story Devices Flashcards
Theme
The message of the story- what can be learned about the writing
Conflict
Drives the plot forward- internal or external conflict
Internal conflict
When the conflict is inside the character- conflicting fears or goals
External conflict
When the conflict is outside of the character- obvious to all other characters- the adversities faced by the character
Point of view
The writer selects the point of view from which to tell the story that best suits his/ her intentions as a writer
First person
“I” is the central character- tells own story
Second person
The story is told about “you”
Third person
Where the point of fee can be:
Omniscient
Limited omniscient
Objective
Omniscient
Characters referred to as “he” “she” and the reader knows what’s going on in their heads
Limited omniscient
Characters referred to as “he” “she” the reader knows what’s going on in some of their heads
Objective
The story is about “he” “she” and the reader doesn’t see any of the characters thoughts
Flashback
When a character thinks back to an event that occurred before the story began
Foreshadowing
A hint of events to come
Suspense
Anxiety or apprehension resulting from an undecided or mysterious situation- excited anticipation of an approaching climax in the reader
