A short story is fiction. Short stories usually have characters who have problems, or conflicts. The story’s plot is what happens as the character solves the problem.

Short story writers often use chronological, or time, order to show the sequence of events in the plot. Look for time words that help you follow the sequence.

As you read, make inferences. Keep track of your ideas in an Inference Map like the one on page 543. As you read on, think about people and places you know and look for details to support your inferences.