Unit Two:Literary Short Stories

The Real Story of The Three Little Pigs

Protagonist The main character, sometimes called the

hero, who is most involved in the story.

Example: Who are the protagonists in the traditional story of The Three Little Pigs? In the traditional story of The Three

Little Pigs, the pigs are the protagonist because they are the main characters.

Antagonist the character who has a conflict with, or acts

against the protagonist.

Example: In the traditional story of The Three Little Pigs, which character has a conflict with, and acts against the protagonists (the pigs), therefore making them the antagonist? In the traditional story of The Three Little

Pigs, the wolf is the considered the antagonist because, be has a conflict with the pigs.

Irony A situation where what happens is the opposite

of what is expected (in easier terms… when you expect one thing but get another)

There are 3 types of irony:Verbal Irony: a character says the opposite

of what he or she means (similar to sarcasm)Situational Irony: what actually happens is

the opposite of what the character or reader expects

Dramatic Irony: the reader knows something the character doesn’t

Irony Examples Give at least two examples (they do not

have to be from the story) for each of the types of irony.Verbal Irony:

1. 2.

Situational Irony:1. 2.

Dramatic Irony:1. 2.

Now…Let’s Apply It To The Text

Identifying/Understanding Protagonist

Who is the protagonist in The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs? How do we know this? (Hint: “Just because” is not the answer).

Answer: The protagonist in The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs is A. Wolf. We know that A. Wolf is the protagonist through….

Understanding/Identifying Antagonist

The wolf identifies the three pigs and the press as his antagonists. (Quick check: Who is an antagonist?) What are they accused of doing that supports his claim? (Give quotes and explain how the quotes show they are the antagonist).

Answer: The pigs are antagonists because… (give a quote that proves what you are saying).

The press are antagonists because… (give a quote that proves what you are saying).

Understanding/Identifying Irony

What makes the The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs ironic? Why do you think that an author would include such in a story (what effect did the irony have on the story?)?

Answers: The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs is ironic because…

The author might include irony in the story because…

Understanding/Identifying Irony

Identify at least one incident in the story where you as the reader expected one thing and got another. Be sure to state what you expected to read/happen, and what really occurred.

Answer: The one incident in the story where I as the reader expected one thing and got another was when(…). I expected (…), but got (…).

Unit Two:Literary Short Stories

Part 2

Understanding Plot The plot is the sequence, or order, of events

in a story. Besides the character, the plot is the “meat” or heart of the story. Story plots include the following:

Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Denouement/Resolution

Exposition

The opening part of the story that

usually introduces the setting, the

characters, the basic situation,

and the conflict

Rising Action

The part of the story where the

author develops the conflict and

introduces complications, or

problems, that make the conflict

more difficult (and usually more

exciting!)

Climax

The point in the story when the

action and the conflict have the

most suspense, or excitement and

interest.

Falling Action

The part of the story that include

events after the climax that help

the protagonist solve the central

conflict.

Denouement/Resolution

The solution or end of the conflict;

usually comes at or near the end of

the story

Now…Let’s Apply It To The Text

Take Out Your Plot Handout!