The Medicine Bag

and

Abuela Invents the Zero

Notes

Literary Elements- Characters  Static vs. Dynamic Characters  A static character does NOT change throughout the whole story. The way they start is the way they end. They have no depth or complexity. They are flat like a cardboard.

 A dynamic character is one who changes or grows as a result of the story’s actions and conflicts. They learn something about themselves and the world as they resolve their conflicts. The changes the character goes through contribute to the story’s meaning.

Conflict

External conflict

—struggle between a character and an outside force.

• character versus character man vs. man • character versus nature- man vs. nature • Please note: whenever a character struggles versus nature, the conflict is usually connected to trying to survive. (Examples: a shipwreck, a shark attack, a tsunami, a major earthquake, etc)

Conflict

Internal conflict

—struggle between opposing needs, desires or emotions within a character. • character versus himself • This can sometimes be what you need versus what you want.

Theme  Theme is the message the story sends or the lesson the story teaches.

 It is a statement about life.

 A recurring theme is a message that repeats itself through several stories.

 A universal theme is one which sends a message about life which almost everyone can relate to.  Examples of theme:  Love is powerful    Good will triumph over evil Be careful what you wish for Believe in yourself/ Never give up

Elements of a Short Story  Point of View  Plot  Setting  Conflict  Climax  Resolution  Theme

Plot

 Plot is the sequence (order) of events that make up a story.  They are all related to one another.

 This is where the narrator reveals what is happening, to who, and why.

Making Predictions About Plot  When you make predictions about the plot of a story, you consider details about the characters, setting, and situation, and make an educated guess about what will happen.  As you read, it is important to look for clues that help you figure out and predict what will happen next in the story.

Plot Diagram

(also known as a “Story Mountain”) 3 2 1 4 5

1. Exposition

 This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story.  We learn about the setting of the story.  Here the characters are introduced.  Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

2. Rising Action

 This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax

 This is the turning point of the story.  Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict.  The main character will change in some way.  This is usually the most suspenseful part of the story.

4. Falling Action

 All loose ends of the plot are tied up.  The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. Resolution



The story comes to a reasonable ending.



This is the conclusion of the story.

Putting The Plot All Together 1.

Exposition 2. Rising Action Beginning of Story Middle of Story 3. Climax 4. Falling Action 5. Resolution End of Story