by Rachel Robinson, TWJ Writer’s Workshop Presenter

Elements of a Short Story

What is a short story?

This seems like a fairly simple question, right? A short story is an invented prose narrative shorter than a novel usually dealing with few characters and maiming at unity of effect and often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot. What we call “coffee break” reading. A short story is more than 7,500 words that can be read in a single sitting. Describes a single event, a single episode, or a tale of one particular character. Does not usually involve major twists and conflicts, and involvement of various sub-plots and multiple characters is not common. A short story is basically fictional prose, written in a narrative style. The narrative style may either be first or third person.

Short stories are one of the most common forms of writing. So what is it about short stories that attracts people? When I think of short stories, I think of The-Tale Heart (Edgar Allen Poe), The Gift of the Magi (O. Henry), and The Yellow Wallpaper (Charlotte Perkins Gilman) just to name of few well known pieces. These are among my top favorites short stories. At some point you must ask yourself, what makes a good short story? The key to a well written and compelling short story can be broken down in 5 essential elements: Character, Setting, Plot, Conflict, and Theme.  

1. Character – a character is a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a short story or other literature.
2. Setting – the setting of a short story is the time and place in which it happens. Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons or weather to provided a strong sense of setting.
3. Plot – a plot is a series of events and characters actions that related to the central conflict.
4. Conflict – the conflict is a struggle between two people or things in short story. The main character is usually on one side of the central conflict. On the other side, the main character may struggle against another important character, the forces of nature, society, or even something inside his or her self (feelings, emotions, illness).
5. Theme – the theme is the central idea or belief in a short story. (In a short story the theme is the most important element. Conflict in most longer stories need to have some sort of resolution. Without closure, a story can feel unfinished and leave the reader frustrated. Longer stories should have conclusions\resolutions, however, short stories usually aren’t comprehensive and tend to leave some lingering questions for the reader and this lends the story authenticity.)

Now how does you take these five elemental a and create a good short story? There are 4 basic types of a short story, created with an essential focus point that drive the story at a quick pace. These are: Character, Plot, Setting, and Theme.  

1. Story of Character – the writer concentrates on presenting a character. The character’s speech and actions dominate the story.
2. Story of Plot – the reader is most interested in what is happening or what is going to happen. A character meets a test resulting in a struggle. The emphasis in this the is upon complication. (Plots are driven by 6 things: A main character we care about or are interested in. Knowledge that this character has a goal and strong reason for achieving it. Obstacles that stand in the way of the character’s goal.  A sense that each event is somehow the cause of the events that follow. Conflicts that intensify to the point where something has to break which then causes the main character’s life to turn a corner. A resolution that allows the reader to feel closure.)
3. Story of Setting – the reader’s Interests center In the surrounding or place In which the story occurs. Especially for mystery or ghost stories. The setting dominates the story. It makes the plot possible an determines the kind of characters. It also dictates the actions and personalities of the characters.
4. Story of Theme – illustrates strikingly and idea of a taught of human kind. The idea behind the story is more important than the characters, the plot, or the settling. Here are some elements do help develop a good theme: Greed, Hate, Humility, Jealously, Love, Pride, Terror, etc.

Now you can begin writing great short stories!