How to read short stories

Regardless of the type of short story, try to comment on the following items:

• Research the author.
• Read the story once for fun.
• Read the story a second time.
• Highlight important details about characters, setting or plot.
• Highlight difficult or new words or phrases.
• Determine the point of view.
     (1st person 3rd person limited, 3rd person omniscient)
• Find the major and minor characters.
• Determine the intended audience.
• Determine the theme or moral.
• Determine the types of conflict. (others, self nature, fate)
• Find figures of speech or literary devices.
• Evaluate the over all effectiveness of the story.

The plots of short stories usually involve one or two main characters working toward the resolution of a single conflict. The events often take place in one place or time. A theme of a short story usually offers observation about human nature. Effective short stories are written by authors who are able to use words and literary devices to make the plots and characters seem real.