Short Story Elements

Question 1

Define and purpose

Character

Answer 1

You only need one to two main central characters, but they need to have some sort of changes/development.
Why?
Because you cannot focus on a lot of characters with a story limit.

Question 2

Define and purpose

Want/Goal

Answer 2

The main character must have a want or goal.
Why?
It gives the story and character a purpose.

Question 3

Define and purpose

Conflict

Answer 3

Forms of conflict, need to be there to make the main character’s journey hard.
Why?
To raise difficulties in attaining the goal - increase the want of the goal.

Question 4

Define and purpose

Decisions

Answer 4

Characters need to take some sort action toward attaining the want/goal.
Why?
If the character does not take any action, then it would make the character have the sort of heroic sense. Also shows the extreme want towards the goal.

Question 5

Define

Climax

Answer 5

Ultimate point behind the whole story

Question 6

Define and purpose

Ending

Answer 6

Only a couple of sentences which wraps up the story neatly,
(not the time to show a plot twist) and at least must give an idea of what happens next.