Short Story Quiz

A short story is a brief piece of fiction and it has __ key elements.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a short story?

• A short story focuses on one main event or theme.

• A short story has fewer characters and a simple plot.

• A short story is usually 1,000 to 20,000 words long.

• A short story can be read in one sitting.

A short story's plot has five key parts or points namely rising action, falling action, resolution, exposition, and climax. Rearrange these parts based on when they occur in the story.

• exposition

• rising action

• falling action

• resolution

• climax

Individuals, creatures, or personified objects that are the main plot devices in the story.

This refers to the 'where' and 'when' of a short story.

The events or actions that drive your story.

It is the central idea or the message that the author wants to convey.

Below are different conflicts. Categorize them based on their types.

• Character vs. Character

• The ugly duckling struggles with feelings of confusion and not being enough because he thinks that he is ugly.

• Character vs. Self

• On his journey, the ugly duckling had to survive through storms.

• Character vs. Nature

• One of the other ducklings pecked and pushed the ugly duckling because of his appearance.

• Character vs. Society

• The other animals rejected and teased the ugly duckling for his personal appearance.

The following sentences are the plot for the story 'The Ugly Duckling'. Categorize each sentences according to the five key parts.

• Resolution

• A mother duck’s eggs hatch, and one of the ducklings looks different from the others.

• Falling Action

• The ugly duckling is teased and rejected by the other animals because of his appearance.

• Climax

• The duckling runs away, feeling lonely and sad

• Exposition

• The duckling grows up and becomes a beautiful swan.

• Rising Action

• The swan is finally accepted and admired for its beauty.

This type of character is often seen as the 'good guy' in the story.