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Conflict

The problem in a story
A story may have more than one conflict.
The five main types of conflict are man v. man; man v. society; man v. himself; man v. nature; man v. fate

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Anatomy of a Plot- Exposition

Often appears at the beginning of the story
Introduces readers to the main characters, setting and basic problem
Describe the exposition in “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas.”

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Anatomy of a Plot- Rising Action

In this section of a story, the plot deepens or builds with details and possibly shifts.
This section of the story is often the longest part.
What points in “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” do you think signify the rising action of the story?

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Anatomy of a Plot-Climax

Typically the most exciting or pivotal point in a story
Major turning point in a story—often the highest point of danger in a hero-type story
What do you think is the climax in “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas”?

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Anatomy of a Plot- Falling Action

The falling action of a short story deals with the effect that the climax had on the characters.
Often an unraveling of sorts
What is the falling action in “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas”?

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Anatomy of a Plot- Denouement

The resolution of the story (Think: “Happily ever after”)
“Denouement” is French for “the untying.”
The denouement is often understated, particularly in Modernist stories.
Where is the Denouement in “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas”?

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How the Story is Told--POV

First Person- One character narrates the story (“I”). We read everything from his / her perspective. We can get into their heads, but not into the heads of other characters.
Third Person- The author describes what happens, but 3^rd person typically takes the point of view of a particular character (POV).

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How the Story is Told

Omniscient- The narrator is “all-knowing.” Readers get into the heads of ALL characters (typical of Victorian lit.).
Objective- No judgment is placed on any character; readers do not know the thoughts of characters; usually a lot of dialogue (“The Killers” by Hemingway).

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Protagonist

Protagonist- The main character of the story.

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Protagonist & Antagonist

Antagonist- The opponent of the protagonist.
Although the antagonist is often a single person, it can also be a group, an idea, a thing, etc. Or, a

story may be

without an

antagonist.

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Voice

A pervasive authorial presence in a story; most apparent in first person (but can be used in third or even second); may sound colloquial or conversational.

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Reliable Narrator

An objective speaker whose character and interests are not suspect, and who therefore is to be relied on for an accurate narration; contrasted with an unreliable narrator.

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