Short Stories & Literary Studies
01. Characters & Characterization
Character Analysis
Characterization:
Definition: The process by which the author reveals the personality of the character.
Direct Characterization:
Definition: The author directly tells the reader something about the character.
Examples:
"She is kind."
"The robber felt guilty about his crime."
Indirect Characterization:
Definition: The personality of the character is revealed indirectly, and the reader must make inferences about the character through the writing.
There are five methods of indirect characterization denoted by the acronym STEAL.
Methods of Indirect Characterization (STEAL)
Speech:
Analyze what the character says and how the character speaks.
Thoughts:
Examine what is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings.
Effect on Others:
Understand how other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character in question.
Actions:
Observe what the character does and how she behaves.
Looks:
Consider what the character looks like and how she dresses.
Types of Characters
Protagonist:
Definition: The main character trying to achieve a goal.
Flat Character:
Definition: A character with only one trait; one-sided, with no depth.
Static Character:
Definition: A character that does not change throughout the story in personality, maturity, or beliefs.
Antagonist:
Definition: A character that causes problems for the protagonist; it does not have to be a person (can be an obstacle).
Round Character:
Definition: A complex character with many sides and realistic traits that are observed.
Dynamic Character:
Definition: A character that changes, usually for the better, due to events in the story.
Foil:
Definition: A character that serves as a contrast to another character, highlighting the contrasting characteristics.
02. Setting
Sociocultural Setting
Analyzes the social environment surrounding characters and their characteristics.
Setting Considerations
When?
Discusses the time period or era of the story.
Where?
Identifies the physical location of the story.
Atmosphere?
Analyzes elements that reveal the feel of the story, e.g., gloomy, gothic, futuristic.
Requirements:
Time
Place
General Environment
Mood & tone
03. Conflict
Understanding Conflict
Notes that while visual cues, like a character looking sad, provide insight, the underlying reasons or conflicts may remain unknown.
Types of Conflict
External Conflict:
Occurs outside the body/mind and is characterized by continual struggle against external forces.
Types of External Conflict:
Man vs Man:
Direct conflict between opposing characters.
Man vs Nature:
Characters against natural forces (e.g., floods, wild animals).
Man vs Society:
Protagonist battles unjust societal elements (government, culture).
Internal Conflict:
Takes place within a character's mind/body.
Man vs Self:
Struggles with personal issues (fear, addiction, emotional damage).
04. Point of View
Understanding Point of View
Discusses various narrative perspectives used in literature.
Types of Point of View:
2nd Person:
Rarely used; employs "you" to place the reader directly into the narrative.
1st Person Detached:
A character narrates, using "I", knowing only their thoughts and feelings.
3rd Person Limited:
Narrator sees through one character's perspective, revealing that character’s thoughts but not others.
3rd Person Omniscient:
Narrator possesses complete knowledge of all characters' thoughts and events in the story.
05. Figurative Language
Types of Figurative Language
Simile:
Definition: Comparison using "like" or "as".
Example: "As boring as watching paint dry."
Metaphor:
Definition: Direct comparison without using "like" or "as".
Example: "The classroom was a zoo."
Personification:
Definition: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects.
Example: "The lungs of the clock bellowed out the time."
Alliteration:
Definition: Repetition of the same letter/sound in a series of words.
Example: "Sammy saw six snakes."
Onomatopoeia:
Definition: A word pronunciation that imitates a sound.
Examples: buzz, click, pop.
Irony
Definition: A contrast or contradiction between expectation and reality.
Verbal Irony:
Involves what one does not mean (e.g., sarcasm).
Example: Responding to a foolish idea with, "What a great idea!"
Situational Irony:
Occurs when there is a disparity between what is expected and what occurs.
Example: A police station being robbed.
Further Concepts
Symbolism:
Definition: A concrete object symbolizes an abstract idea.
Example: The U.S. Flag represents freedom.
Tone:
Definition: The author's attitude towards the story.
Mood:
Definition: The feeling the reader experiences while reading.
Thematic Elements in Literature
Themes
Definition: A specific idea that should pervade the story, providing main ideas the author wishes to convey.
Types of Themes:
Specific Theme:
Carries a specific idea throughout the narrative.
Universal Theme:
Needs to resonate with everyone and is crucial to the story while contributing to unity and providing readers with new awareness of life.
Deeper Meanings in Literature
Consideration of how and why we read and the implications of literature in understanding life and human experience.
Characterization
Definition: The process by which writers create and develop characters in a narrative.
Key Components: Description, Perspective, Behavior, Motivation.
How Textual Details Reveal a Character
Writers build characterization through various means:
Character Description: Includes physical appearance, clothing, manner of speaking, walking, thinking, etc.
Writers may describe characters in detail or choose to omit physical descriptions entirely.
When analyzing character descriptions, consider both what is explicitly stated and what is implied.
Dialogue and Inner Thoughts: Characters' dialogues and internal monologues help reveal their personalities, motivations, and conflicts.
Character Behavior: This principle is summarized by the saying "actions speak louder than words". Observing how characters act provides insight into their true nature.
Character Motivation
Definition: The underlying reasons behind a character's actions, typically driven by desires, needs, or the central conflict of the story.
Readers can infer motivation from the character's actions and reactions.
Character Perspectives
Characters reveal their perspectives and biases through:
Language: Choices of words and expressions.
Details: Information shared and the emphasis placed on certain aspects.
Organization of Thought: The way they convey their ideas implies their level of understanding and feeling.
Decision Making: Choices made by characters highlight their values and outlook on life.
Actions: Actions taken often reflect inner thoughts and motivations.
Point of View vs. Perspective:
Point of View: Narrative standpoint, which may employ a characterized narrator.
Perspective: Broader concept encompassing the narrator's emotional outlook and personal biases.
Example Analysis of Character Introduction in Film
Films introduce characters differently compared to textual narratives, yet convey critical character information.
Practice Assignment for Characterization
Task: Complete the assignment titled "Short Stories: Characterization" available on Google Classroom.
Collaboration allowed; submissions must be individualized.
Setting
Definition: The time and place in which the narrative unfolds.
Components of Setting:
Time: Temporal context in which the story occurs.
Place: Geographic and physical environment where the narrative takes place.
Broader context: Historical, social, and cultural influences that may affect the story.
How Textual Details Reveal a Setting
Authors may define the setting explicitly or imply it through narrative decisions.
Setting impacts character behavior and can influence the conflict of the story.
Identifying Setting with Iconic Scenes
Task: Analyze classic films or shows to identify setting details beyond mere time and place, including cultural and geographical context.
Key Questions:
What observations can be made about the setting?
How does the setting influence characters and their relationships?
What does the setting reveal about the story?
Practice Assignment for Setting
Task: Complete the assignment titled "Short Stories: Setting" available on Google Classroom.
Plot Order & Sequence
Definition: The arrangement of events and actions within a narrative.
Components of Plot:
Exposition: Introduction of characters, setting, and conflict.
Climax: The pivotal moment of highest tension in the narrative.
Resolution: The conclusion where conflicts are resolved.
Importance of Exposition
Exposition sets the foundation of the narrative by providing essential background on:
Characters and relationships.
Setting and the conflict.
Rising and Falling Action
Describes the dramatic scenario involving characters and their conflicts.
Rising Action: Includes events that build tension and interest through suspense.
Falling Action: Events after the climax leading to resolution.
Archetypal Strategies in Plot
Definition: Common patterns that occur in narratives are identified as archetypes (for example, hero vs. villain) and shape reader expectations regarding plot progression and resolution.
Narrative Pacing
Definition: Refers to the speed and rhythm at which a story is told, influencing emotional reactions from readers.
Slower pacing for exposition, faster pacing during suspenseful or climactic moments.
Narratives and Narrative Structures
Techniques such as flashback, foreshadowing, in media res, and stream of consciousness alter reader experience by creating anticipation and tension.
Flashback: Techniques used to revisit past events, providing valuable context to current narratives within the storyline.
Foreshadowing: Hints about future events in the narrative, creating suspense or expectation in the audience.
In Media Res: A narrative beginning in the middle of the action, capturing the audience's immediate interest.
Stream of Consciousness: Represents a character's internal thought process in an uninterrupted flow.
Practice Assignment for Plot Orders & Events
Task: Complete the assignment titled "Short Stories: Plot Orders & Events" available on Google Classroom.
Point of View
Definition: The perspective from which a narrative is told, affecting how stories are perceived by readers.
Components:
Narrative Distance: Refers to the proximity (physical or emotional) between the narrator and story events/characters.
First Person Narration: The narrator is a character within the story, their subjective views shape the narrative.
Third Person Narration: Distanced perspective where the narrator is not a character but can vary in knowledge:
Third Person Limited: Knowledge is restricted to one character's perspective.
Third Person Omniscient: All characters’ thoughts and motivations are accessible to the narrator.
Understanding Various Points of View Through Examples
Examples from literature and other media illustrate how point of view affects interpretation and theme.
Practice Assignment for Point of View
Task: Complete the assignment titled "Short Stories: Point of View" available on Google Classroom.