7 Elements of Short Stories and Literary Devices

The three part of the setting are: 1. [blank_start]Where[blank_end] 2. [blank_start]When[blank_end] 3. [blank_start]Atmosphere[blank_end]

There are 4 types of setting: 1. [blank_start]Mirror setting[blank_end]: The setting reflects the mood of the story/characters. 2. [blank_start]Mould setting[blank_end]: The setting shapes characters and makes them act the way they do. 3. [blank_start]Escape setting[blank_end]: Can often be a fantasy-like escape, taking us to imaginary worlds, either in the past or in the future. But don't be fooled, these settings are just creative reflections of our own world. 4. [blank_start]Alien setting[blank_end]: The setting is hostile to the character; he/she/they is an outsider, in exile or a refugee and the conflict revolves around the character's attempts to return to his/her/their place of origin. These types of setting emphasize the loss of roots and sense of home.

A [blank_start]flat character[blank_end] is a stock character. This type of character are often minor characters. They are one-dimensional and predictable and can be generically labelled. A [blank_start]round character[blank_end] is a multidimensional or complex character with many characteristics or personality traits that are sometimes conflicting. They are usually main characters and can be unpredictable and seem more human or real. A [blank_start]static character[blank_end] does not change, evolve or learn throughout the story. [blank_start]Flat characters[blank_end] tend to be static. A [blank_start]dynamic character[blank_end] goes through some sort of change throughout the story. They are not the same person at the beginning and the end of the story. [blank_start]Round characters[blank_end] tend to be dynamic.

The plot is the [blank_start]storyline[blank_end] (what happens in the story). It is often represented on a plot diagram. The parts of a plot diagram are: 1. [blank_start]Exposition[blank_end]: We are introduced to the characters, setting, and some background info. 2. [blank_start]Exciting force[blank_end]: The [blank_start]conflict[blank_end] is introduced. There are three types of conflict, person versus [blank_start]themselves[blank_end] (internal conflict), person versus [blank_start]person[blank_end] (conflict between characters), and person versus [blank_start]nature[blank_end]/[blank_start]society[blank_end]. 3. [blank_start]Rising action[blank_end]: The events in the story that move along the plot. The character tries to resolve the conflict. 4. [blank_start]Climax[blank_end]: The highest point of excitement. The conflict is resolved (or we know that it will be). 5. [blank_start]Falling action[blank_end]/[blank_start]Conclusion[blank_end]: The tying up of loose ends. We find out what happens to the characters after the conflict is resolved.

There are three different points of view. 1. [blank_start]First person[blank_end]: The narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" or "we". 2. [blank_start]Third person omniscient[blank_end]: The narrator is not a character in the story and can tell what all the characters are doing/thinking. 3. [blank_start]Third person limited omniscient[blank_end]: The narrator is not a character in the story and can only see into one character's head.

[blank_start]Symbolism[blank_end] is something in the story (object, image, or action) that represents something else. This is not usually stated like a metaphor, so you need to work it out yourself. It has a meaning beyond [blank_start]literal interpretation[blank_end] (ex. a red rose can mean romantic love). It is important not to overlook or overanalyse symbols.

The [blank_start]theme[blank_end] is the underlying main idea or message that the author is trying to convey. It often deals with some element of [blank_start]human nature[blank_end] or [blank_start]human behaviour[blank_end] (ex. love, life, death, morality, growing up, friendship, hatred, greed, revenge, etc). Often to get the theme, you will need to think about the [blank_start]exciting force[blank_end] and [blank_start]climax[blank_end].

[blank_start]Style[blank_end] is the way an author writes. It includes [blank_start]literary devices[blank_end] and how they are used, the [blank_start]tone[blank_end] used in the narrative, and how [blank_start]language[blank_end] and [blank_start]vocabulary[blank_end] are used.

[blank_start]Simile[blank_end]: a comparison using "like" or "as" [blank_start]Characterization[blank_end]: how the author conveys the traits of the characters [blank_start]Alliteration[blank_end]: the repetitions of a consonant sound at the start of words in close proximity [blank_start]Imagery[blank_end]: the language a writer uses to paint a mental picture [blank_start]Contrast[blank_end]: drawing attention to the differences of characters, places, objects, etc. [blank_start]Hyperbole[blank_end]: exaggeration for literary effect [blank_start]Extended metaphor[blank_end]: the repeated use of a particular metaphor [blank_start]Metaphor[blank_end]: when you say something is something else [blank_start]Analogy[blank_end]: a comparison of one situation to another (in order to provide clarity) [blank_start]Idiom[blank_end]: a common expression that has meaning beyond the literal [blank_start]Onomatopoeia[blank_end]: when a word is used to mimic a sound [blank_start]Oxymoron[blank_end]: opposites used together for effect [blank_start]Allusion[blank_end]: a reference to a famous person, place, event, work of literature, or work of art.

Surprise vocabulary question! Euphony means:

The 7 elements of short stories are: