Overview
This lecture introduces key elements of a short story, including plot structure, types of conflict, and narrative points of view, with definitions and examples for each concept.
Plot Elements in Short Stories
- Plot is the sequence of events arranged by the author to develop the story's basic idea.
- A typical plot follows a pyramidic or linear structure with a beginning, middle, and end.
- The six essential plot stages are: exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
- Exposition introduces characters and setting.
- Inciting incident is a key event that initiates the conflict.
- Rising action complicates the story as the conflict develops.
- Climax is the story's turning and highest point, where readers are uncertain about the outcome.
- Falling action includes events resolving after the climax.
- Resolution (denouement) is the final outcome, concluding the story.
Types of Conflict
- Conflict drives the plot and is the struggle the main character faces.
- Two general types: internal conflict (within oneself) and external conflict (against outside forces).
- Internal conflict: character vs. self (struggle with emotions, decisions, or beliefs).
- External conflict types: character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, character vs. technology, character vs. supernatural.
- Each conflict type includes examples from literature and real life.
Points of View in Narration
- Point of view is the perspective from which the story is told.
- First person: narrator is a character using "I" or "we."
- Second person: narrator addresses the reader as "you."
- Third person: narrator is outside the story, using "he," "she," or "they."
- Third person limited focuses on one character’s thoughts and feelings.
- Third person omniscient knows all characters' thoughts and feelings.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Plot — The sequence of events in a story with a structured beginning, middle, and end.
- Conflict — The struggle between opposing forces driving the plot.
- Internal Conflict — A character's struggle within themselves.
- External Conflict — A character's struggle against an outside force.
- Point of View — The narrator’s position in relation to the story being told.
- Exposition — Introduction of background information, characters, and setting.
- Climax — The highest and most intense point of the story.
- Resolution (Denouement) — The conclusion where conflicts are resolved.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review notes on plot elements, conflict types, and points of view.
- Practice identifying these elements in a short story assigned by the teacher.