iRubric: High School Short Story rubric

The main character is clearly developed and effectively described using indirect and direct characterization techniques. The character's motivations and goals can be clearly defined. Secondary characters are used effectively. There is a clear and rewarding character arc.

The character is mostly developed, may be some inconsistencies. Uses some indirect and direct characterization. The character's motivations and goals may be somewhat defined. Secondary characters are used somewhat effectively. There is a somewhat clear character arc.

The character shows some development but may be inconsistent. The character's motivations and goals are undefined and/or inconsistent. Secondary characters are present but may be underdeveloped and/or not used effectively. The character arc may be missing or difficult to determine.

The character lacks development and motivations and goals are unclear or inconsistent. There is limited to no character arc.

Use of setting is clear and vividly described.
Specific sensory details are used to bring the reader into the setting.

Use of setting is somewhat clear; some sensory details used.

Use of setting is unclear, it is difficult for the reader to identify setting in the story; not many sensory details used.

No use of setting is present in the short story. It is clearly undetermined; no sensory details are used.

Point of view is clear, use of first person, third person limited and omniscient easily detected by the reader. Changes point of view for reader interest (if possible).

Point of view somewhat clear, shift between first and third not always easy to identify for reader. Little use of change, but is identifiable.

Point of view is unclear at times, shifts in dialogue (first or third) hard for reader to detect. Reader struggles to identify point of view.

Point of view is not clear. Reader is unable to identify point of view at all in piece.