Setting is a description of where and when the story takes place. In a short story there are fewer settings compared to a novel. The time is more limited. Ask yourself the following questions:
How is the setting created? Consider geography, weather, time of day, social conditions, etc.
What role does setting play in the story? Is it an important part of the plot or theme? Or is it just a backdrop against which the action takes place?
Does the setting change? If so, how?
Conflict or tension is usually the heart of the short story and is related to the main character. In a short story there is usually one main struggle.
How would you describe the main conflict?
Is it an internal conflict within the character?
Is it an external conflict caused by the surroundings or environment the main character finds himself/herself in?
The theme is built on a topic, such as death, hope, the American dream, etc. and how the topic affects the human condition, society, or life. As a reader, focus on what the story is revealing about the topic. The theme should be expressed as a statement, a general observation about human nature.
To help you write a thematic statement, consider the following:
What is the story about – its general topic(s) (IE: money, wealth, death, etc.)?
How is the topic developed? (Consider how characters change, symbols, climax, etc.)
Do you notice any patterns in imagery, diction, etc.?
Does the title have any significance?
Does the narrator or character include any statement(s) that reveals a theme or observation?
a word or phrase (topic or subject)
a command
a judgment
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