Page 4 - 6.7 MODULE-WRITING A STORY

Key Elements for Story:

Typically story writing has five key elements –

• Character - Characters A short story has few characters. (fewer is
better),
• Setting- Setting Time frame and place constitute setting of short
stories. (brief but poetic and vivid),
• Plot- Plot As simple and as interesting as possible. (as simple and
interesting as possible),
• Conflict- Conflict It is the struggle between two sides of the theme
of the story. Conflict can be between characters, emotions, beliefs
or thoughts. It gives life to short stories. (intense but one),
• Theme-(relating to majority of readers).

A character is someone or something that takes part in actions depicted
in the short story. It could be a living person, a dead person, a ghost, an
imaginary character, a robot, a dog, a toy… unlimited list.

The golden rule for selecting characters in story writing is “Fewer are
better”. A story writing would more effectively convey its meaning if it has
very few characters – one protagonist, one other main character and no
supporting or side characters would be ideal.

Animating character with perfect adjectives and examples are a must
however, typically while writing short stories, do not fall overdo the
characterization.

Time frame and place constitute setting of story writing. The setting is
often decorated with descriptions of scenes such as super market,
bedroom, crowded metro train, or drizzling evening… again unlimited
list. These descriptions are very important to make reader immerse in
the plot.

Unit of time frame may vary from hours to days to weeks to years. The
golden rule in selecting time frame for story writing is “keep it shorter”
and “have it single”. Story writing that has setting of few hours may
typically be clearer and more effective than with setting of few months or
years.

vividly describe surroundings. must be absolutely clear and very
importantly be appealing to five senses of your readers. Be poetic, use
suitable adjectives, script dialogues, or even deploy side characters…
do whatever you need to ensure that the reader lives your story while
reading.