Blank Short Story Elements Chart2012 - Norwell Public Schools

Short Stories Unit
Elements of a Short Story Chart
Mrs. Dsida ~ 8 th Grade
Name: _____________________
Date: _____________________
Section: ___________________
Directions: Complete the following information for __________________________ (“title”)
by ____________________________ (author).
MLA Citation Rule: If you omit a word or words from a quotation, you should indicate the deleted word
or words by using an ellipsis mark, which is three periods ( . . . ) preceded and followed by a space.
I. Select the Point of View (POV) for the story. Provide a quote to support your answer.
1 st Person OR 3 rd Person
The Narrator is a character in the story.
The Narrator is NOT a character in the story.
What pronouns are used
What pronouns are used
Provide a quote with page # to support your answer Provide a quotes with page # to support your answer
II. Complete the chart for the PROTAGONIST (the main character) in the story. Be sure to provide
evidence from the story to support your answer (i.e., a quote).
Protagonist's Name: ____________________________________________
1. Physical Appearance: (1 quote w/ page #) 2. What do other characters say about him/her or
how they react to him/her (if available) [1 quote w/
page #]
3. What are important things the Protagonist does
or says that provide insightful information about
him or her (2 quotes w/ page #'s)
4. What are examples of what the Protagonist
thinks, feels, &/or dreams (2 quotes w/ page #'s)
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III. Identify the Antagonist (or Antagonistic Force) in the short story. The Antagonist is the character
or force that is in conflict with the protagonist and keeps the protagonist from getting what he or she
wants. (FYI: The struggle between the two becomes the central conflict.)
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
IV. Identify the Conflict in the short story.
A. Formula to identify Conflict:
What the Protagonist wants
+ The Antagonist (the force that keeps Protagonist from getting what S/He wants
= Conflict
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
B. What kind of Conflict is it The types of conflict include: external: person vs. person, person vs.
nature, person vs. society, and person vs. supernatural force or internal: person vs. self.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
V. Complete the following chart based on the SETTING of the short story. Not all aspects of the setting
are applicable.
Time:
Place:
Weather:
Mood*:
Social Conditions**:
Is the setting critical to the short story Why or
Why not
*Determine how the author’s word choice appeals to the reader's senses and feelings.
**Daily life of the characters; writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a
particular place and time, historical context
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VI. Identify each element of the PLOT of the short story.
1. Introduction (Exposition) [introduces the
setting, character, & main conflict]
2. Rising Action (2 event minimum)
3. Climax/Turning Point 4. Falling Action (2 event minimum)
5. Resolution/Conclusion
This box intentionally left blank!
Climax/
Turning Point
Rising
Action
Falling Action
Introduction/
Exposition
Resolution/Conclusion
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VII. Identify the Theme in the short story.
Hint: Determine how characters in the story deal with problems and resolve Conflicts, and
that will help you determine possible Themes in the story.
Example from To Kill A Mockingbird:
Conflict Resolution or Solution Possible Theme
Tom Robinson is falsely accused of
attacking Mayella Ewell.
Atticus agrees to defend Tom despite Despite the difficulties and
being harassed by his own family challenges one may encounter, it is
members and the people of Maycomb. important to defy the status quo when
an innocent person is being wronged.
Complete the chart for _______________________________________ (“title”)
Conflict Resolution or Solution Possible Theme
1. To Squeaky, Raymond is simply her
mentally challenged brother who
needs constant care and is not
capable of being independent or
successful. He is a burden to her.
2.
3.
4