What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Short stories focus on one central conflict or character moment rather than a broad plot

Narrative arc: exposition (setup), rising action, climax (turning point), falling action, resolution

Show, don't tell: reveal character and emotion through action and dialogue rather than direct statement

In media res: starting in the middle of the action creates immediate engagement

A twist ending or revelation changes the reader's understanding of the whole story

Key Vocabulary

Narrative Arc

The shape of a story's plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution

In Media Res

Beginning a story in the middle of the action (Latin: "into the middle of things")

Show, Don't Tell

Revealing character and emotion through action, dialogue, and sensory detail rather than direct statement

Climax

The moment of highest tension in a story; the turning point from which the resolution flows

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which opening best demonstrates the "in media res" technique?

"The glass shattered. Mia froze, her hand still raised, staring at the broken window." "This story is about what happened to Mia when she was twelve." "Once upon a time there was a girl called Mia who lived in a small town." "Mia was a quiet, thoughtful girl with brown hair and green eyes."

Question 2

Which sentence SHOWS rather than TELLS that a character is nervous?

"Emma was very nervous before her speech." "Emma's hands shook as she shuffled her notes for the third time." "Emma felt extremely anxious." "Emma did not feel confident."

Question 3

What is the PRIMARY difference between a short story and a novel?

Short stories are always happy; novels can be sad Short stories can only be written by students Short stories focus on a single moment or conflict; novels develop many characters and plotlines over time Novels must have chapters; short stories cannot

Short Story Craft