STORY WRITING
Every story is expected to have the five components namely,
Characters
Setting
Plot
Theme
Conflict
In addition to these, a story has a point of view in which it is narrated or portrayed
and a style in which it is written. Let us now look at each of the components in detail.
Characters
No story is complete without a character. Every story would either revolve around
multiple characters or a single character. Characters drive the story. Having strong
characters of all types (funny, serious, clever, innocent, etc.) is what will make the
story interesting and intriguing.
Setting
The term ‘setting’ refers to the physical surroundings in which the story takes place.
The whereabouts of the characters might also contribute to the setting of the story.
The setting of a story can be a forest, a house, a street, space or outer universe, a
small island, a train and even someone’s mind. It is up to the writer to include all the
details that they think would make the story more colourful.
Plot
Many of us are acquainted with the term ‘plot’, but what does the term mean? In
simple terms, the plot of a story refers to what goes on in a story or what the story is
about. A plot includes various courses of events/actions, climactic points and
resolution.
Theme
The theme of a story is the idea or subject that pervades the whole story. This is the
concept on which the whole story revolves. Examples of themes can be family
relationships, music, love and romance, war, rebellion, etc.
Conflict
The term ‘conflict’ refers to the problem in the story. When all is going on well, there
is one point in the story when the main characters come across an obstacle that
impedes their journey to achieve a set goal.
1. Write a short story in 200 – 250 words, with the help of the
cues given below. Give a suitable title to the story.
Going to Mumbai by train to attend the marriage of a friend …..
got stuck in a traffic jam ….. reached the railway station late
….. boarded a wrong train ….. realised after two hours ….. now
you … … …
A Series of Unfortunate Events
I sat down with relief as I ticked off the last task in the checklist. I wanted everything to be
perfect as it was my best friend’s marriage in Mumbai. The alarm rang next morning, I woke
up in excitement and booked a cab to the railway station. Everything was going perfectly
until I got stuck in a traffic jam. I reached the railway station late but on the sight of the train
still waiting on the platform, I hurried and somehow managed to get into the train. I breathed
a sigh of relief and got comfortable. It was only when the Ticket Collector came, I realised
that I had been in the wrong train for two hours. I panicked and de boarded the train at the
next station. I tried booking a ticket for the next train to Mumbai but there was no
availability. On coming back from the ticket counter, I realised that my luggage was missing.
Even after hours of reporting it, there was no trace of it. I got tired and lost hope, tried
booking a cab with the minimal amount I was left with in my pocket. The cab couldn’t reach
on time as it was raining heavily. Disheartened, I finally walked to the nearest hotel,
contacted my parents and narrated to them the series of unfortunate events that happened
during the day. Alas, I couldn’t make it to my best friend’s wedding.
2. Write a short story in 200 – 250 words, with the help of the
cues given below. Give a suitable title to the story.
Satish was standing on the balcony watching the last rays of the
sun. Loud and angry voices in the street below distracted his
attention. He ran down the stairs to see what had happened …
