Civil War Lit

Elements of a Short Story Civil War Literature

A short story is defined by a limited plot, time period and characterization.  It can be as short as 4 pages to as long as 80 pages. 
To begin, it must have
• Plot development with
o Introduction, (introduces characters, conflict, setting)
o Rising action (this builds suspense for the reader)
o Climax (this part of the plot is where the main character must make a decision)
o Falling action (these are the events that happen as a result of the decision made by the main character)
o Denouement (although this does not always happen in every short story, this element is the epilogue)
o Your plot must have these elements and needs to be historically accurate for your character. In addition, plot must contain a substantial conflict (internal/external)
• Well developed characterization.  Authors use five elements of characterization to develop  their characters in their writing:
o Direct narration.  ( although many authors use this, it is the least effective in developing characterization)
o Allowing the character to speak – feel free to use the character’s own words – vernacular as it would be appropriate
o Allowing the reader to see the character in action with other characters. 
o Allowing the reader to hear the character’s thought ( this could be in retelling the events in a letter format that the character might write)
o Having other characters talk about the character
o You must use at least 3 methods of character development.
• Setting
o Includes time, place, mood or tone. 
o This is partly where you will really add those historical details that describe when and where your story takes place. 
In addition, your story must be typed, grammar and spell checked and contain elements of real people, places and events.