Structure

 The short story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty has a linear plot structure. The story begins in medias res with the arrival of an armored car, as witnessed by the sniper on the roof. 

The events take place chronologically, in quick succession, with one action leading to the other. 

The external conflicts between the sniper and his enemies – the man in the armored car, the informer, and the enemy sniper on the opposite roof – all end with them being killed by the sniper. It is worth noting that the sniper only feels remorse at the sight of the dead body of the enemy sniper. This could be an element of foreshadowing of the story’s climax. It also marks the moment when the external conflict becomes an internal conflict within the sniper’s mind. The in...