What is a Story? Basic Elements of a Short Story Beginning, Middle & End? A lot of people will tell you that a story is anything with a beginning, middle and an end. However, its rarely that simple. If your mom was to ask you, How was your day at school? your answer might be, Good. Math was fun, I played hard in gym and English class was the best. And then I came home. But thats hardly a story. Some people might tell you that a story is a sequence of events that ends up being a journey. While is this more accurate, its not quite right either. I woke up in the morning, got into my car, turned left onto Main Street, right onto Jefferson Avenue, and ended up at Garden City. We are missing the key elements that make up all good stories. Change. Change Stories are about change and the main discoveries and conflicts that are involved with it. Change is what stories are really about and writers make this happen using their tools: drama, action, and suspense. Change Internal change characters need to make decisions. Often these changes go against what a character believes in or believes that they can accomplish. (Ex. someone realizes theyre in love, understands something thats been puzzling them, they learn a lesson, etc.) External change a change that occurs in the surrounding world. (Ex. a new ruler takes over the kingdom, a wound is healed, the family dog runs away) Change A Result of Conflict There are 5 basic types of conflict: Person vs. Person: (another character) Person vs. Society: (law, institutions, ways of doing things) Person vs. Self: (decision) Person vs. Nature: (weather, natural disaster) Person vs. Fate (God): (uncontrollable human problem) So What? $138, 122, 261 A group of people made this much money over the weekend of November 18 th November 20 th, Who and why? Twilight Breaking Dawn The Point People care about stories. People are willing to spend their time and money to go and listen and watch stories. Art is but beauty with purpose. Your Reaction/ Ideas What are your favourite stories? Why? Be ready to share with a partner. Characters We care about the story when we can relate to the characters. Protagonist: the main character or hero of the story Antagonist: the person or force working against the protagonist, or hero, of the work Supporting Characters: others in the story; they are not described in great detail, but help support the plot Setting Time and place What effect does the setting have on the character? What does the story reveal about life in a specific time or place? Theme What concepts (theme subjects) does the author explore? What social issues shape the story? What lesson does the main character or reader learn? (theme written as a phrase or message) Context