Short Stories Blog by Harry

“The Ransom of Red Chief” – O. Henry Summary Two criminals kidnap Johnny Dorset, expecting an easy ransom. However, Johnny, who calls himself “Red Chief,” enjoys the adventure and torments his captors. Unable to control him, the criminals offer a ransom demand, only for Johnny’s father to demand payment for taking him back. Sam and Bill, desperate to get rid of the boy, pay the $250 and flee. Character Sam, Bill Driscoll, Johnny Dorset (Red Chief), Ebenezer Dorset. Plot Elements Exposition - Two criminals, Sam and Bill, decide to kidnap Johnny Dorset, the son of a wealthy man, expecting an easy ransom. Rising action - They take Johnny to a cave, but he turns out to be wild, playful, and impossible to handle. Instead of being scared, Johnny enjoys his time and terrorizes the kidnappers. Climax - The criminals send a ransom note demanding $1,500. Instead of paying, Johnny’s father counteroffers: he will take his son back if they pay him $250. Resolution - Sam and B...

  “The Monkey’s Paw” – W.W. Jacobs Summary In “The Monkey's Paw”, a circle of relatives is warned approximately the dangers of using a cursed object, however they forget about the warnings and make wishes that convey tragic results. The story explores issues of fate, the outcomes of tampering with the unknown, and the dangerous nature of choice.   Character Mr. White (The Father) Ms. White (The mother) Herbert White (The son) Sergeant-Major Morris (Visitor)   Plot Elements Exposition - The exposition of "The Monkey 's Paw " introduces the White family, who live in a modest home in England. The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. White and their son, Herbert, Sergeant Major Morris, a friend of Mr. White, visits them and during his stay, tells them about a magical monkey 's paw that has the power to grant three wishes. However, he warns them that these wishes carry harsh consequences. Rising action - The rising action of "The Monkey's Paw...

  “The Legend of Sleepy Hallow” – Washington Irving Summary “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” follows Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher inside the eerie city of Sleepy Hollow, who competes with Brom Bones for the love of Katrina Van Tassel. After attending a party, Ichabod encounters the ghostly Headless Horseman and mysteriously disappears, leaving the townsfolk to wonder if it was the Horseman or Brom Bones' trickery that scared him away.   Character -           Ichabod Crane (the main protagonist, a schoolteacher who is tall, lanky, and a bit awkward) -           Katrina Van Tassel (the beautiful daughter of a wealthy farmer, the object of Ichabod's affections) -           Brom Bones (A local, strong, and mischievous man who is also interested in Katrina) -           The Headless Horseman...

“Seventh Grade” – Gary Soto Summary In Seventh Grade , Victor is a seventh grader who is nervous about starting school and wants to impress his crush, Teresa. He pretends to know French, but when he is called on in class, he gets nervous. His teacher, Mr. Bueller, saves him by making light of the situation, and Victor learns that it’s okay to be yourself and that trying too hard to impress others isn't always the best approach.   Character Victor (12-year-old boy who just started his first year in middle school) Teresa (Victor’s Crush) Mr. Bueller (Victor’s Teacher) Michael (Victor’s friend who helps victor in impressing Teresa) Plot Elements Exposition - The story takes place on the first day of school in a middle school. Victor, a seventh grader, is nervous about impressing his crush, Teresa, and making a good impression as he begins the school year. Rising action - Victor tries to impress Teresa by pretending to know French, even though he doesn’t. He wan...

“Rikki-tikki-Tavi” – Rudyard Kipling Summary "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" tells the story of a brave Mongoose who turns into a homely hero as he defeats the dangerous Cobra, Nag and Nagaina, who threatens a human cycle of relatives. The floods were swept away and the family's way survived, Rikki knows about the plans for snakes to kill them. Through bravery and quick thinking, Rikki fights and kills each cobra, ensures the family's safety and ensures its area as its protector.   Character -           Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (A brave mongoose, the protagonist) -           Darzee (A tailorbird, Rikki's ally) -           Nag (A dangerous cobra, antagonist) -           Nagaina (Nag’s wife, also an antagonist) -           Teddy (The young human boy who is saved b...

  “All Summer in a Day” – Ray Bradbury Summary The story occurs on the planet Venus, where the sun comes up only every seven years. Margot, remembering the sun, is teased by her peers, who lock her in a closet just as the sun reemerges. The children frolic outdoors, enjoying sunlight for the first time, but later the rain falls. Upon going back indoors, they remember Margot and unlock the closet, to their dismay.   Character Margot, William, Other Schoolchildren, Teacher.   Plot Elements Exposition - The story takes place on Venus, where it has been raining continuously for seven years. Margot, who remembers the sun from Earth, is different from the other children. Rising action - The children resent Margot’s knowledge of the sun and her unwillingness to participate in their games. They decide to lock her in a closet just before the sun appears. Climax - The sun finally comes out, and the children rush outside, playing joyfully under its warmth for ...