What are the elements of a short story and what about charater in the elements?

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "'Short story' elements" to get these possible sources:

http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/engramja/elements.html
http://users.aber.ac.uk/jpm/ellsa/ellsa_elements.html
http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1983/3/83.03.09.x.html
http://www.agsd.ca/whs/teachers/harknessl/dust/Short%20Story%20Elements.htm

I hoped this helps. Thanks for asking.

The elements of a short story typically include settings, characters, plot, conflict, theme, and point of view. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in creating a well-rounded and engaging story.

Characters are one of the key elements in a short story. They are the individuals who drive the narrative and through whom the readers experience the events. Characters can be fictional or based on real people, and they can be developed in various ways. They could have different personalities, backgrounds, motivations, and relationships. The characters' desires, conflicts, and growth are often central to the overall plot and themes of the story.

To determine the elements of a short story, you might want to consider the following steps:

1. Identify the setting: Determine where and when the story takes place. The setting can include the physical location, time period, and general atmosphere.

2. Analyze the characters: Identify the main characters in the story and explore their characteristics, motivations, and relationships. Consider their roles in advancing the plot and conveying the themes.

3. Examine the plot: Determine the sequence of events in the story. Look for the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Analyze how the plot unfolds and how it is affected by the characters and their conflicts.

4. Identify the conflict: Determine the main conflict or problem faced by the characters. It could be internal (within a character's mind) or external (against another character, society, or nature). Conflict creates tension and drives the plot forward.

5. Explore the theme: Identify the underlying message or central idea of the story. Themes can be universal concepts or morals that the author wants to convey through the narrative. Analyze how the characters and events contribute to the exploration of these themes.

6. Consider the point of view: Determine the perspective from which the story is told. It could be first person (narrated by a character within the story), third person limited (narrated from a character's perspective), or third person omniscient (narrated from an all-knowing perspective). The point of view influences how the story is presented to the reader.

By analyzing these elements, you can gain a deeper understanding of the structure, characters, and themes within a short story.