Literature (elements of short story)

Characters

They are the participants of the work of fiction

Protagonist, Antagonist

2 major types of character:

Protagonist

the main character around whose life or experience the story revolves.

Antagonist

is the character who stands in opposition to the protagonist.

Flat/Static Character

Reveal only one or two personality traits which remains the same all throughout the story.

Round/Dynamic Character

they undergo changes during the course of story.

Foil Character

a character that has opposite character traits from another, meant to help highlight or bring out another’s positive or negative side.

Confidante Character

is someone in whom the main character confides.

Conflict

Creates tension and interest to the plot. it refers to the different drives and interest of the characters and forces involved in the story.

Man vs Man

An external conflict where a character is against another character.

Man vs Society

The character stands against a man-made instituition.

Man vs Nature

The character struggles against forces of the nature such as an animal, a storm, or tornado, or snow.

Man vs Supernatural

the protagonist battles against an entity that isn’t entirely known or comprehensible.

Man vs Technology

protagonist is facing machine or technology and must prevail against it.

Plot

The structure or organization of events that makes up a fictional story.

Exposition

Beginning of the story that introduces the main problem, character, and setting

Rising action

the writer has to put the lead in crisis by providing conflict.

Climax

the highest point in the story where the main event happens.

Falling action

the story will eventually wind down slowly.

Denoument/Resolution

The lead character’s conflicts are resolved, all loose ends are tied up, and the story concludes with either a happy or sad ending.

Man vs Self

An internal conflict where the character must come to terms with his/her own nature.