Notes from Practical Short Story Writing Three Conflicts ... - CIBACS

Within the first page or two of your story you should have:
1. introduced the main character
2. hinted at the problem
3. set the scene
4. established the mood
5. cast your narrative hook
The first four of these must blend in with narrative and dialogue.
The last one must stand out to grab your reader’s attention and
hold it.
Viewpoint
Single major character
Single minor character
Ranconteur – story teller
Omniscient – should still identify with one character most of the time
Reader must know who the main character is. Don’t hop around.
To decide who the viewpoint character will be, ask, “Whose problem
is it?”
If the characters whose problem it is are not likable, you may choose
another character as the observer to hold the point of view.
Usually don’t use Omniscient for short stories
Characterization – indirect vs. direct
Know the main character intimately and sketch the minor ones
Model characters on people you know or have met
Methods of character presentation:
Direct Description (blend and keep to a minimum)
Dominant trait (slightly exaggerated)
Appearance (don’t overdo weird things)
Dialogue
Actions – movements and gestures (creative verbs)
Thoughts and emotions
Surroundings and others’ reactions (stereotyping)
Dialogue
Be alert to nuances of speech
Don’t use (out)dated dialogue
Use the correct dialect for each character (but sparingly)
Functions – advance the story, characterize, provide info.,
convey emotions