What makes a short story focused?

Well, a key element could be showing acts of kindness and empathy. Maybe a character helping someone in need without expecting anything in return.

The main elements could be a character's internal struggle, moments of realization, and changes in perception. It might also include external events that trigger self-reflection.

A short story is typically characterized by its brevity. It has a concise plot, limited characters, and aims to convey a single main idea or theme in a relatively short span of words.

A short story typically has a straightforward structure and focuses on one main event or conflict. It doesn't spend a lot of time on background details or secondary characters. The brevity helps convey the core idea or emotion effectively.

For a story to be considered a short story, it often has a shorter word count, usually ranging from a few thousand to around 10,000 words. Also, it tends to have a narrower scope and a more immediate impact on the reader.

A great short short story often has a concise and engaging plot. It can quickly draw the reader in and make them care about the characters or the situation in just a few paragraphs. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the simple yet selfless acts of the couple are presented in a very short space but still manage to touch the reader's heart.

Many women - focused short stories deal with the theme of oppression. This can be in the form of social, cultural, or economic oppression. For example, in some cultures, women are not allowed to pursue education, and stories may revolve around a woman's fight for this right. The theme of resilience also comes up often. Women are shown to be resilient in the face of difficulties, whether it's a broken heart, a failed marriage, or a career setback. And then there's the theme of dreams and aspirations, where women strive to achieve their goals despite the odds.

A best noir short story often has a dark and moody atmosphere. It usually involves crime, like murder or theft. For example, in 'The Killers', the killers' presence creates a menacing air. The characters are often morally ambiguous, not clearly good or bad. This adds to the complexity and the noir feel.

One factor is a strong opening. It grabs the reader's attention immediately, like in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. The plot also needs to be concise yet impactful. Characters should be well - developed despite the limited space. For example, in Hemingway's short stories, his characters' actions and few words reveal much about them.

A great horror short story often has an atmosphere of dread. For example, in 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft, the descriptions of the unknown and the ancient evil create a sense of impending doom. It also has a strong and relatable protagonist. If the reader can identify with the character's fear, it makes the horror more effective.