Literary Elements and Plot Devices in Short Stories

Element

a part or component of the whole - pieces that make the whole 'better.'

Point of View

the perspective - or vantage point - from which a story is told.

Conflict

Struggle or clash between two opposing characters or forces.

Setting

Time and Place - creates mood and provides a background for the action.

Foreshadowing

a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

Plot

the sequence of events in a story.

Flashback

a scene set in a time earlier than the main story.

Irony

a literary technique where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning.

Characterization

the act of creating & developing a character.

Symbolism

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Theme

the central topic, subject, or message within a narrative.

Language & Tone

the choice of words and the attitude of the writer towards the subject.

Mood

the atmosphere the reader feels as he/she reads the story.

Antagonist

the character who opposes the protagonist (main character).

Protagonist

the main character in a story, often facing a conflict.

External Conflict

a struggle between a character and an outside force.

Internal Conflict

a struggle within a character's mind.

Character vs. Nature

a conflict where a character faces natural forces.

Character vs. Self

a conflict where a character struggles with their own beliefs or emotions.

Character vs. Society

a conflict where a character stands against societal norms or values.

Character vs. Supernatural

a conflict where a character faces supernatural forces.

Indirect Characterization

the process a writer uses to reveal the personality and psyche of a character.

Third-Person Omniscient

Narrator is not a character and knows and tells what more than one character is thinking and feeling.

Third-Person Limited

Narrator is not a character and zooms in on thoughts and feelings of one character.

First Person

Narrator is a character in the story and we learn only what this character chooses to tell us; may be an unreliable narrator.

Second Person

Narrator addresses the reader as 'you'; less common, often found in 'how-to' books or novels in diary or letter format.

Climax

The turning point of a story.

Symbol

Something that stands for something else; using an object to represent a belief, idea, superstition, or institution.

Situational Irony

When something unexpected happens.

Verbal Irony

When a person means the opposite of what he/she says.

Dramatic Irony

When the reader/audience knows something the characters do not.

Imagery

Descriptive/sensory language that involves any of the five senses.

Visual Imagery

Imagery that appeals to the sense of sight.

Gustatory Imagery

Imagery that appeals to the sense of taste.

Olfactory Imagery

Imagery that appeals to the sense of smell.

Auditory Imagery

Imagery that appeals to the sense of hearing.

Tactile Imagery

Imagery that appeals to the sense of touch.

Simile

A comparison between two unlike things using words 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

A comparison between two words but without using 'like' or 'as'.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-living things.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration.

Pride

A wonderful, terrible thing, a seed that bears two vines, life and death.

Infallibility

The belief in one's own inability to make mistakes or be wrong.

Mercy

Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Solder cracked pride

A metaphor for repairing or mending one's damaged sense of pride.

Development program

A plan to teach Doodle to run, swim, climb trees, and fight.

Doodle's failure

The moment when Doodle collapsed onto the mud, indicating his exhaustion and inability to meet expectations.

Sign of mercy

A gesture or indication that shows compassion towards Doodle from his brother.

Theme of pride

The central idea that pride can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.

Symbolism in the story

The use of symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes.

Crippled brother

Refers to Doodle's physical limitations and the impact on his brother's pride.

Ashamed

The feeling experienced by the narrator due to Doodle's condition.

Tired and frightened

Describes Doodle's emotional and physical state during the story.

Important themes

Key messages or ideas that are significant in the narrative.

Prominent constructed symbol

An original symbol created within the story that holds significant meaning.

Watching for a sign

Doodle's anticipation of his brother's compassion during a moment of vulnerability.