A photograph of large white pieces of paper divided into sections under headings with idea post-its stuck on them

Source: Brainstorming, Heidi Blanton, Flickr

Although literary texts vary widely, they also enjoy shared characteristics. This lesson will concentrate on three elements basic to all short stories: setting, character, and plot.

Keep in mind, though, that in addition to these three elements, a short story also needs other ingredients (normally considered part of the plot) such as the following:

You have studied plot diagrams in previous lessons, as well as in your English classes at school. Using your knowledge of the way authors craft the plots of their stories, complete the following plot diagram by dragging each element into the appropriate box on the plot diagram below.

an icon for an interactive exercise

Some of your efforts toward a successfully negotiated, timed writing experience should occur before the writing exercise. This means you need to use the prewriting strategy of brainstorming. For example, you can brainstorm about the three major elements of a short story mentioned above: character, setting, and plot. When brainstorming for ideas, feelings, and thoughts, take the time to write about them.

The next three subsections offer several lists that can help you effectively brainstorm about the major elements of a short story before the actual writing exercise.

Setting

To prepare yourself for the writing exercise, brainstorm ahead of time about different settings you have experienced, heard about, seen in films, or read about in books (e.g., The Wizard of Oz, The Great Kapok Tree, or The Outsiders). Write about how the settings look, feel, and smell. Think about how you felt or would feel if you were there. This will help you choose vivid words to describe the setting and make your writing realistic. Having a specific setting in mind will also invite your readers to feel as if they are right there with you.

A photograph of a leafless tree by a lake at sunset; there is a park bench next to the tree

Source: Setting on Rondeau (Explored), John
Ryan, Flickr

Is the setting you’re thinking about

Does the setting make you feel

Jot down something about each of the settings you are conjuring up in your mind. Later in the lesson, you will have an opportunity to use a graphic organizer to develop your thoughts.

Character

A photograph of a person’s hand sketching out a comic book style character

Source: Character Design, Tom Hoyle, Flickr

Think about people you know, have heard about, read about, or seen in a movie (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The X-Men: The Last Stand, The Diary of Anne Frank). If you find people you think will help with the creation of your character, you can interview them or simply analyze them on your own to gather the personal attributes you wish to use for your own characters. Do you know or have you seen people who are

Note: You can use a T-Chart similar to the one in the lesson “Write a Literary Text That Develops Interesting Characters” to help you brainstorm about specific attributes for your characters. Remember that an author can develop her characters through action and dialogue. You will want to consider adding dialogue as a way to make your story come alive for your readers.

Plot

A photograph of a plaque on the ground that reads, Plot”

Source: Drain, "plot", Gwen Harlow, Flickr

When you are brainstorming for plot ideas, think of stories that have left a lasting impression on you, such as events in your own life, in the lives of those close to you, in books, and in movies (e.g., The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, Cinderella). While you’re at it, don’t forget to consider story elements such as exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, and resolution. Here are a few common plots you might consider:

With all this information at your fingertips, you will be able to construct the basics of your short story. You may want to keep a notebook of your creative thoughts that contains short story ideas, or you can record everything in a graphic organizer.



In a minute, you will use a graphic organizer to record your brainstorming ideas. A graphic organizer is valuable for this process for two reasons. First, it saves time because it helps you think about the specifics that go into writing a short story. Second, you’ll have a document handy that you can readily produce for a prompt and that you can get ideas from on the spur of the moment. Open the graphic organizer and follow the instructions. When you’re finished, go to the next section in this lesson.