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2.3 Writer's Workshop: Short Stories

A story needs characters and a setting but without a plot, it won’t go anywhere. Remember, the plot is the sequence of events that happen in a story. It is made up of:.

  • Exposition: introduces you to the characters, setting, and problem
  • Rising Action: all the events that build up to the climax, there is growing conflict that creates suspense
  • Climax: the turning point and the most exciting part of the story
  • Falling Action: shows the aftermath after the conflict and loose ends are tied up
  • Resolution: the ending of the story

Let's review. Watch the following video on plot to learn about the 5 different parts.

In your assignment for this lesson, you will think about and describe the plot of the story you are going to write for this unit. Here are some tips for creating powerful plots that keep your readers turning the pages. Keep these tips in mind when you begin writing your story.

  • Decide what the main problem in your story will be. Does the main character face an internal struggle, a problem with another character, or with a greater force, such as nature?
  • Decide what events will take place as the main character faces this problem. There should be three to five for your short story. These events should become more complicated or serious as time passes until they reach a climax.
  • Check to see if you need to add connections between events, especially if you are changing place or time.
  • Make sure you include events that will end your story in a satisfying way. Don't be too abrupt, but don't drag out the conclusion either.
  • What will the key events in your story be? How will the conflict be overcome, or will it?

Open your Writer's Notebook and complete 6. Plot.

Next, use the lessons and/or your learning guide and notebook to review the elements of a story – setting, character, conflict, plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution). 

Then, complete the “Elements of a Story” Quiz. 

Finally, submit your "Writer's Notebook" in the course dropbox. In the next lesson, you will download a template that you will use to complete the steps to write your story.