Elements of Literature

ELEMENTS OF LANGUAGE <MODEL BANK HOME

Writer's Model

Short Story

A short story is a fictional narrative that employs literary elements such as setting, character, and plot to explore human experiences. Because short stories are a form of creative writing, they do not have a rigid structure or a set writing process.

Many short stories use the structure illustrated in the framework below. Print this framework and use it as a guide when you write your own short story.

Beginning
• Engage readers.
• Introduce main characters and establish setting.
• Set plot in motion with event or situation that initiates conflict.

Arouse interest Capture the readers' interest from the very beginning. Set the scene by describing the mood or throw your audience into the middle of a dramatic scene.
Cause conflict Hint at the conflict. Use vivid details that give your readers a taste of the story's plot.

Middle
• Develop conflict and characters through actions, dialogue, description, and complications.
• Bring conflict to a climax.

Keep them on the edge of their seats Establish or deepen the conflict. Add details that create complications and uncertainty for the main character.
Create a crisis Create a crisis or a scene of high interest that will determine how the conflict will be resolved. Use vivid description so that your readers will feel like they are experiencing the drama.

End
• Move toward resolution.
• Resolve conflict, including final details.

Allow the conflict to resolve itself Resolve the main conflict. Refrain from using unnecessary details and discussion. Instead, use description and dialogue that show how the conflict is resolved.
Tie up loose ends Resolve all other conflicts. Leave your readers with an understanding of the final situation.