Short Story Theory Flashcards
What are the 4 elements in a short story?
- Plot
- Characters
- Setting
- Theme
What is the plot?
The sequence of events and what happens.
What are the 7 Elements of the Plot
- Motivation
- Conflict
- Complication
- Suspense
- Climax
- Outcome
- Denouement
What happens in the Motivation?
It says why something happens or why they do it
What happens in the Conflict?
An opposing force. A problem the character faces
What happens in the Complication?
The conflict causes the complication. An intensification of the conflict in a story or play
What is the Suspense?
Wondering what will happen next
What is the Climax?
Where the conflict is confronted and begins to be resolved
What is the Outcome?
The result of the Climax. What happens after the main problem was solved
What is the Denouement?
An explanation of what happens afterwards
How do you find the theme of a story?
Find out who changed and why
What are the 7 types of characters?
- Flat
- Dynamic
- Stock
- Round
- Protagonist
- Antagonist
- Static
What is a Flat character?
A character with very few traits. We don’t know a lot about them
What is a Dynamic character?
A character that undergoes a change
What is a Stock character?
A stereotypical character (dumb jock, dumb blonde)
What is a Round character?
A well developed character with a lot of traits
What is the Protagonist?
The person who sets out to achieve a goal
What is the Antagonist?
The opposing force that stops the protagonist from reaching their goal
What is a Static character?
A character that stays the same and does not change
What is the setting?
The time and place
What are the 2 components of the setting?
The Mood and the Atmosphere
What is the Mood?
The feeling of the character and how it makes you feel
What is the Atmosphere?
The physical surroundings, like the setting
What is the Theme?
A generalization about life
When explaining a Theme what do you usually start with?
- Most people
- Sometimes
- Often times
What is Irony?
The appearance of something verses the reality of something
What are the 3 types of Irony?
- Verbal
- Dramatic
- Situational
What is Verbal Irony?
Saying one thing but meaning another. Tone of voice
What is Dramatic Irony?
When 1 or more characters are unaware of the situation
What is situational irony?
When something unexpected happens with a twist
What are the Points of View?
- First Person
- Limited omniscient
- Omniscient
- Objective
What is First person point of view?
They use ‘I’. A participant. But cannot see into their mind
What is Limited Omniscient?
Can enter one characters mind. Uses he/she
What is Omniscient?
Can enter all characters minds. Uses he/she
What is Objective POV?
Can’t see into the mind or body of anybody. Almost as if a camera is recording the action.
What is a stereotyped character?
A stock character
