Short stories are one type of literary work that is widely loved. Short stories have the characteristics of being short, concise, and focused on one event or conflict.
To understand short stories more deeply, it is important to know the intrinsic elements that build them. Intrinsic elements are elements that build the story from within, cannot be separated from the story itself.
The following are 7 intrinsic elements of short stories along with their definitions, characteristics, and examples:
1. Theme
- Definition: Theme is the main idea or main idea that the author wants to convey through the short story.
- Characteristics: The theme is general and not directly stated in the story.
- Examples: Themes of friendship, love, struggle, etc.
2. Flow
- Definition: Plot is a series of events that occur in a story, from beginning to end.
- Characteristics: The plot has a logical and interrelated sequence.
- Examples: Forward flow, backward flow, mixed flow.
3. Characters
- Definition: Characters are the actors involved in the story.
- Characteristics: The characters have different characters and traits.
- Example: Protagonist, antagonist, tritagonist.
4. Characterization
- Definition: Characterization is the author's way of describing the character and nature of the characters.
- Characteristics: Characterization can be done through physical descriptions, behavior, dialogue, and thoughts of the character.
- Example: Direct characterization, indirect characterization.
5. Background
- Definition: Setting is the place, time, and atmosphere where events occur in the story.
- Characteristics: The setting can be a physical setting, a social setting, or a cultural setting.
- Examples: Rural setting, urban setting, historical setting.
6. Point of View
- Definition: Point of view is the author's perspective in telling the story.
- Characteristics: Point of view can be first person point of view, second person point of view, and third person point of view.
- Examples: Akuan's point of view, diaan's point of view, omniscient point of view.
7. Mandate
- Definition: A moral message is a moral message that the author wants to convey through a short story.
- Characteristics: The message is implied and not directly stated in the story.
- Example: Message about the importance of honesty, hard work, and compassion.
By understanding the 7 intrinsic elements of a short story, readers can more easily understand the meaning and message the author wants to convey. In addition, understanding intrinsic elements can also help readers analyze and criticize short stories.