Essay Example on Elements of a Successful Short Story: Plot, Setting, Characters, Conflict & More

Introduction

Different elements of a short story work together to make it successful. Among the critical elements are the plot, the setting, the characters, the conflict, the point of view, and even the theme (Prescott, 2010). Undeniably, though these elements work together to make the short story, their effect and intensity on the narrative differ as Edgar Allan Poe opines. However, all elements determine how the short story presents itself to the reader. A carefully constructed story will first need to introduce the reader to the setting (Prescott, 2010). The author should then make the plot interesting by utilizing characters carefully such that the conflict is fathomable to them. Therefore, when the setting, plot, and conflict are attractive to the reader, the short story has unity and effect and becomes worthwhile to read.

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Besides, the setting is essential to the readers as it prepares them for the content that is set to be discussed in the story. For instance, in Shakespeare's short story, Hamlet succinctly defines the setting, which prepares the reader for everything they are going to witness in the story, making them interested in reading further (Opreanu, 2016). However, when the effect of the setting on the plot is unmatched, it makes the reader consider whether the plot is meaningful or not. With an intriguing setting, a reader may want to follow up on the story, understand the conflict, and know how it ends. Besides, the setting, plot, and conflict are realized by the use of the right characters. It is of essence that an author of a short story utilizes the characteristics that match the plot of the story. Therefore, characters are also important and need to be considered in a similar way as the setting of the story. While every other part of a short story is meaningful, making a cohesive selection of the setting, the plot, and the characters will effectively make other elements such as the point of view and themes clear, therefore, making the short story a success.

Response to Jessica

I agree with you that sometimes writing can be intimating. Asserting the plot ideas in a short story can thus be hard and need the author to showcase the reader where the climax of the story is. As you have stated, the problem or conflict is profoundly meaningful. I do not think that this is essential as most of the short stories that I have read choose to leave the reader in suspense. I, however, would agree with you that the conflict in a short story is significant than many other elements.

Response to Meagan Kramer

I agree with you that the characters and the conflict are essential aspects of a short story. Characters make the short story lively. They show us the life in the plot, and they are effective in bringing out the conflict in an understandable manner. Therefore, when a writer thinks of a short story, I agree that they should ensure that they make the characters to coincide with the plot and enable them to create conflict and maybe its resolution clear to the readers. Your presentation of the necessity of the said elements was enlightening and fulfilling.

References

Opreanu, L. (2016). Secret Codes and Small Rewrites: Fluid Authorship, Intertextual Games, and the Power of Words in Doctor Who–"The Shakespeare Code" and Other Revisitations of Shakespeare. Analele Universitatii Ovidius din Constanta. Seria Filologie, 27(1), 181-196. Retrieved May 15, 2020, fromhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/313314211_Secret_codes_and_small_rewrites_Fluid_authorship_intertextual_games_and_the_power_of_words_in_doctor_who_-_The_Shakespeare_code_and_other_revisitations_of_Shakespeare

Prescott, L. (2010). How to read a short story: Lynda Prescott discusses critical approaches to this neglected yet fascinating form of fiction? The English Review, 20(4), 32-35. Retrieved May 15, 2020, from https://go.gale.com/ps/anonymous?id=GALE%7CA225304974&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=09558950&p=LitRC&sw=w