Short Story Theory Flashcards
(35 cards)
What are the parts of a short story?
Plot
Character
Theme
Setting
What are the elements of plot?
1) Motivation
2) Conflict
3) Complication
4) Suspense
5) Climax
6) Outcome
7) Denouement
What is the Motivation?
Why did it happen
What is the Conflict?
Aan opposing force against the protagonist
What is the Complication?
The conflict creates a complication
What is the Suspense?
Wondering what will happen next
What is the Climax?
Where the conflict is confronted and begins to be resolved
What is the Outcome?
The result
What is the Denouement?
An explanation
What is “in media res?”
in the middle of things (Starting in the middle of a story)
What is “deus ex machina?”
A Hockey ending. Machine of the Gods
What are the 7 types of characters?
1) Round
2) Flat
3) Static
4) Dynamic
5) Stock
6) Protagonist
7) Antagonist
Round
A character with many traits
Flat
An underdeveloped character
Static
A character that does not change from the beginning to the end of a story
Dynamic
A character that undergoes a major change
Stock
A stereotypical character
Protagonist
The person who sets out to achieve a goal
Antagonist
The opposing forces. Stops the protagonist
What are the elements of a setting?
Time and Place
What is the mood?
The feeling a character or reader gets
What is the atmosphere?
The physical surroundings. Creates the mood
Where can you find the theme?
From the dynamic character
What is the theme?
A generalization about life
