Introduction to Short Stories

Big Idea: What makes a short story, a short story?

Key words:
setting atmosphere plot
theme protagonist antagonist

 Setting: The ______________________________________ presented in the

story. This is usually described in the introduction of the story.

Example: It was a cold and gloomy night as John stood at the edge of Lake
Ontario.

 Atmosphere: The _________________________________ of a place or situation.

 Atmosphere usually helps create _______________________________,
and is usually established in the setting (for instance, a haunted house on
a moonless night).

 Plot: The _________________________; the series of events that happen in a

story.

 Theme: The _______________________ behind a story or the point the author is

making. The theme is ______________________________________ in the story.
An author is usually suggesting something about life or human behaviour.

 Mood: The way the reader feels about the topic or the subject of the story.

Example: A reading makes you feel angry, disturbed, or sad.

 Protagonist: The ___________________________________________ of a story.

 Antagonist: The character that _______________________________________

of the main character (can sometimes be seen as a villain).

Quick Check 
Determine which of the words below would correspond with the above terms:

Lake Ontario _______________________ Upset ____________________________

Spiderman _______________________ The Wicked Witch ___________________
Love _______________________ Scary ______________________________
 The Short Story Plot

Introduction  brief
 establishes the setting, creates the atmosphere, introduces the characters,
introduces a conflict, and provides any other necessary information
Rising Action  after an incident (complication) creates a conflict or problem for the main
character
 conflict intensifies
 suspense builds
 leads up to the climax of the story
Climax  the point of highest interest and intensity in the story
 moment of decision
 bring any necessary final events to a close
 tie up loose details and conclude the story
Falling Action  bring any necessary final events to a close
 tie up loose details and conclude the story