A short story is a brief piece of fiction that must have:

• a beginning (context)
  
• middle (sets you up for the punch-line)
• ending (punch-line)

Five key elements produce a story:

• setting
  
• conflict
  
• plot
  
• character
  
• point of view
  

These five elements lead to a single goal that confirms some truth or deepens our understanding of reality, such as of human nature. This truth is called theme.

At the end of this unit you will write a story. Learning how to tell a story that connects with an audience can help you change the world.

• News media tell the story of world situations.
  
  
• Politics creates a believable character to sell to the public. For example, Ralph Klein chose to present himself to the public as a grade 8 school dropout, rather than someone who later became a college instructor. The rags to riches story resonated with core Albertan beliefs.
  
  
• Business tells a story through public relations. In 2003 When 22 deaths were linked to listeria at the Maple Leaf Foods plant in Ontario, the president, Michael McCain, saved the company through his honest and empathetic response in the media. He took responsibility for the food poisoning and the company paid 27 million dollars to victims and families. Had he not taken control of the media story, the company would have gone out of business.
  

Often the only difference between success and failure in media, business, and public relations is whether or not the story connects with the audience.

Stories cross the barriers of time—past, present, and future—and allow us to experience a broader view of reality. We can name or categorize something more easily. For example, we can see with new clarity the similarities between ourselves and others.

Read the humorous short story "The Hockey Sweater" by Roch Carrier on page 44 of SightLines 8.