A short story is a form of fiction that can be read in one sitting and usually concentrates on just one person, thing, or scene. A short story is succinct and focused, frequently centering one theme or idea, as opposed to a novel, which might have several plot lines and hundreds of pages.
Short stories can be powerful and have an impact on readers despite their brief length.
The framework of a short narrative is one of its most important components.
Within a constrained amount of time, an expertly written structure enables the author to successfully develop characters, intensify tension, and produce a satisfying conclusion.
In this article, we'll look at the key elements of short story structure and discuss how to use them to create fantastic stories.
What Is Story Structure?
Story structure refers to the way a story is organized and the sequence of events that make up the plot. It is the framework that holds a story together and guides the reader from beginning to end.
The basic components of a story structure include:
- exposition,
- rising action,
- climax,
- falling action,
- and resolution.
The exposition is the introduction to the story, where the setting, characters, and conflict are introduced.
The rising action is the series of events that lead up to the climax, where the main conflict is resolved.
The falling action is the aftermath of the climax, where loose ends are tied up and the story begins to wrap up.
Finally, the resolution is the conclusion of the story, where the final outcome is revealed.
A well-crafted structure can enhance a short story by creating a sense of momentum and flow, and helping the reader to understand and connect with the characters and events in the story.
A clear structure can also make the story more satisfying and memorable, as it provides a satisfying resolution and closure to the reader.
Structural features of a short story
In a short story, every word and detail matters, so it's important to use structural elements wisely to create a compelling and engaging story.
Some common structural elements in short stories include character development, setting, dialogue, and description.
Character development is the process of creating and fleshing out the characters in a story. This can include revealing their motivations, flaws, and goals, as well as showing how they change and grow over the course of the story.
Setting refers to the time and place where the story takes place. A well-developed setting can help to establish the mood and atmosphere of a story, as well as providing important context for the events that unfold.
Dialogue is the conversation between characters in a story. It can be used to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension and conflict.
Description is the use of sensory details and imagery to paint a picture in the reader's mind. It can be used to bring the setting and characters to life, and to create atmosphere and mood.
Using these structural elements effectively can help to craft a short story into a captivating and immersive experience for the reader.
Types of short story structures
Short stories can be structured in many different ways, depending on the needs and goals of the writer. Some short story structure examples include the hero's journey, three-act structure, and seven-point story structure.
Hero’s Journey
The scholar Joseph Campbell initially identified the hero's journey as a common storytelling structure in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces."
It outlines a typical pattern that appears in a wide variety of narratives and myths from throughout the globe.
The hero's journey depicts the journey of a hero who encounters difficulties and setbacks while setting out on a mission or adventure.
Often, the protagonist is called to leave their familiar surroundings and set off on a journey to an unfamiliar location after beginning the story in their everyday life.
As they travel, the hero faces many challenges and obstacles, such as monsters, villains, and tests of strength and courage. They may also encounter mentors and allies who help them along the way.
Eventually, the hero reaches the climax of their journey, where they must overcome their greatest challenge and achieve a great victory or transformation.
The hero's journey has been used in countless stories throughout history, from ancient myths like Homer's "The Odyssey" to modern tales like Star Wars.
This structure is powerful because it allows the writer to create a compelling and satisfying story that captures the imagination of the reader.
Three-act Structure
The three-act structure is a more modern approach to story structure that was developed for use in screenplays and plays. It divides the story into three parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution.
The setup is the first act of the story, where the setting, characters, and conflict are introduced. This is where the reader gets to know the main characters and their motivations, and learns what the story is about.
The confrontation is the second act, where the main conflict of the story is introduced and the characters are forced to deal with it. This is the part of the story where the tension and stakes are raised, and the characters must make choices and take action to overcome their challenges.
The resolution is the third and final act, where the conflict is resolved and the story reaches its climax. This is where the main characters must face their final challenge and achieve their goals, or suffer the consequences of their actions.
The three-act structure is often used in screenplays and plays because it provides a clear and concise way to organize a story. It can also be applied to short stories, allowing the writer to create a focused and engaging story within a limited space.
The seven-point story structure
The seven-point story structure is a more detailed approach to story structure that breaks down the story into seven key points. These points are: start, call to adventure, reject the call, meet the mentor, cross the threshold, trials/allies/enemies, and resolution.
The start is the beginning of the story, where the setting, characters, and conflict are introduced. This is where the reader gets to know the main characters and their motivations, and learns what the story is about.
The call to adventure is the moment when the hero is presented with an opportunity to leave their ordinary world and embark on a quest or adventure. This is often a challenge or a problem that the hero must overcome, and it is up to them to decide whether to accept or reject the call.
If the hero rejects the call, they may face consequences or be forced to confront the challenge later on. If they accept the call, they move on to the next point in the story: meeting the mentor.
The mentor is a wise and experienced guide who helps the hero to prepare for their journey and overcome their challenges. The mentor may provide the hero with important information, weapons, or advice that will help them on their journey.
Once the hero is prepared, they must cross the threshold and enter the unknown world of the adventure. This is a moment of great change and transformation for the hero, as they leave behind their old life and embark on their journey.
Once the hero has crossed the threshold, they will face many challenges and obstacles, such as trials, enemies, and allies.
These challenges will test the hero's strength, courage, and determination, and they must overcome them in order to reach the final point in the story: the resolution.
The resolution is the final act of the story, where the hero faces their greatest challenge and achieves their goal. This is where the story reaches its climax and the reader learns the final outcome of the hero's journey.
The seven-point story structure is a powerful tool for writers who want to create a complex and satisfying story.
These are just a few examples of short story structures that can be used to craft engaging and impactful stories.
How to write a short story structure
When it comes to writing a great short story, having a strong structure is crucial. A well-crafted structure can help to guide the reader through the story, create tension and momentum, and provide a satisfying resolution. In this section, we'll discuss some tips and techniques for crafting a well-structured short story.
First and foremost, it's important to start with a plan. Before you begin writing, take some time to think about the story you want to tell, the characters you want to include, and the key events and conflicts that will drive the story forward.
This can help to ensure that your story has a clear direction and purpose, and that it doesn't wander off-track or become muddled.
One way to plan your story is to use a classic structure as a starting point. Many short stories are based on well-known structures, such as the hero's journey or the three-act structure.
These structures provide a framework for your story, and can help you to organize your ideas and create a satisfying narrative.
Another important element of a well-structured short story is the development of compelling characters. Your characters should be interesting, dynamic, and relatable, and they should be able to drive the story forward.
To create compelling characters, try to give them unique traits, motivations, and goals, and make sure they face challenges and obstacles that force them to grow and change.
Finally, a great short story should have a satisfying ending. The ending is the final impression that the reader will take away from your story, so it's important to make it memorable and impactful.
To create a satisfying ending, try to resolve the main conflicts and themes of the story, and provide some closure for the reader. You can also use the ending to surprise the reader or leave them with a thought-provoking question.
Short Story Structure Example (Template)
I. Exposition:
- Introduce the setting, characters, and conflict of the story.
II. Rising Action:
- Build tension and momentum (or promise and payoff) by introducing obstacles and challenges that the characters must overcome.
III. Climax:
- Reach the peak of the story's conflict, where the characters must face their greatest challenge and make important decisions.
IV. Falling Action:
- Tie up loose ends and reveal the consequences of the characters' actions in the climax.
V. Resolution:
- Provide a satisfying conclusion to the story, and reveal the final outcome of the characters' journey.
VI. Denouement (optional):
- Provide additional closure or reflection on the story's themes and events.
Different Genres: Different Structures
Your structure may also vary depending on the genre.
For examples, a common horror short story structure might include the following elements:
- Establishing the setting and introducing the main character(s).
- Introducing the conflict or source of horror, such as a mysterious creature or supernatural force.
- Building tension and suspense as the main character(s) encounter and try to overcome the source of horror.
- The climax - the main character(s) confront the source of horror and attempt to overcome it.
- The resolution - conflict is resolved and the story comes to a conclusion.
This structure allows the story to build suspense and create a sense of fear and uncertainty for the reader, leading up to a climactic confrontation with the source of horror.
FAQs
How do I handle multiple plot lines in a short story?
It's important to prioritize your plot lines and focus on the most important ones. Try to make sure that each plot line contributes to the overall story and that they all come together in the end.
How do I incorporate twists and turns into my short story?
Twists and turns can add excitement and surprise to your story. Try to include them at natural points in the story, such as the climax, and make sure they are logically connected to the events that came before.
How do I avoid cliches in my short story?
Clichés can be overused and unoriginal, so it's important to avoid them in your story. To do this, try to be creative and original in your writing, and avoid using predictable or familiar plot points or character types. Instead, try to find new and interesting ways to tell your story.
Try it yourself!
In this final section, I encourage you to try your hand at writing a short story using one of the structures discussed in this post. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, using a well-known structure can help to guide your writing and create a satisfying and engaging story.
To get started, choose a structure that resonates with you and brainstorm some ideas for your story. Think about the setting, characters, and conflicts that you want to include, and start to organize your ideas into a cohesive narrative.
Once you have a rough plan, start writing! Use the structure as a guide to help you create a focused and compelling story. As you write, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. You may need to revise and edit your story as you go, but that's all part of the writing process.
If you need help or guidance as you write your short story, there are many resources available to you. You can find books on short story writing that offer tips, techniques, and examples, or you can join online writing workshops or communities where you can learn from other writers and share your work.
I hope that this post has provided you with some useful insights and tools for writing a great short story. I encourage you to try it yourself and see what you can create!
10 Short Story Structure Resources:
1. The Short Story: An Introduction by Robert Graham
2. Writing the Short Story: An Anthology of American Short Fiction by David Mogen
3. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
4. The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner
5. Crafting Short Stories by Alexander Steele
6. Short Story Masterclass by Allan Guthrie
7. Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway
8. The Art and Craft of Writing Short Stories by Joyce Carol Oates
9. The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
10. Online Writing Workshops (e.g., Scribophile, Critique Circle, Writing.com)
