Common Features of a Short Story
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- Date Submitted: 06/20/2010 04:35 AM
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Common Features of a Short Story
1. The Narrative Viewpoint This involves who is telling the story, the readers understanding of the story and it’s message will be influenced by this choice of narrator. 2. The Setting of the Story This is where and when the story takes place and amongst what kind of people. The setting can appear to be one thing, but appearances can be deceptive. The setting creates the atmosphere or mood for the story. 3. The Structure of the Plot The plot should be set out in the following way, using most if not all of the points. A short story begins with an opening situation. The plot is developed by a complication. There may be a false resolution where the character believes he has resolved the problem. This can then be followed by a further complication. The story ends with a final resolution which often contains a twist or unexpected element. 4. The Central Character A short story involves one main character who undergoes a change or some kind of development as a result of events. 5. Supporting Characters These characters are never fully developed and exist only to help the reader understand more about the central storyline and/or the characters. These characters usually tend to be stereotypes. 6. Stylistic Features In a short story, authors often use symbols and recurring images to help convey the ideas. This can take the form of symbolism, personification, etc… 7. Themes A good short story will convey several important messages to the reader about key aspects of life. 8. An Ending Many short stories have a significant ending where the story is not fully revealed/explained until this point.
1. The Narrative Viewpoint This involves who is telling the story, the readers understanding of the story and it’s message will be influenced by this choice of narrator. 2. The Setting of the Story This is where and when the story takes place and amongst what kind of people. The setting can appear to be one thing, but appearances can be deceptive. The setting creates the atmosphere or mood for the story. 3. The Structure of the Plot The plot should be set out in the following way, using most if not all of the points. A short story begins with an opening situation. The plot is developed by a complication. There may be a false resolution where the character believes he has resolved the problem. This can then be followed by a further complication. The story ends with a final resolution which often contains a twist or unexpected element. 4. The Central Character A short story involves one main character who undergoes a change or some kind of development as a result of events. 5. Supporting Characters These characters are never fully developed and exist only to help the reader understand more about the central storyline and/or the characters. These characters usually tend to be stereotypes. 6. Stylistic Features In a short story, authors often use symbols and recurring images to help convey the ideas. This can take the form of symbolism, personification, etc… 7. Themes A good short story will convey several important messages to the reader about key aspects of life. 8. An Ending Many short stories have a significant ending where the story is not fully revealed/explained until this point.