What makes a story a short story?

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.

A good short story also has a strong theme. It could be about love, friendship, or the struggle against injustice. When the story conveys a meaningful theme that the reader can reflect on, it becomes a good story. For instance, a story that shows how kindness can change someone's life in a small community.

One factor that can make a short story the worst is lack of a clear theme. Without a central idea that ties the story together, it feels disjointed. For instance, if it seems like the author is just rambling on about different things without a purpose. Another is if the story fails to engage the emotions of the reader. If it doesn't make you feel anything - no joy, sadness, or even curiosity - then it's likely a bad short story. And if the ending is abrupt and doesn't resolve anything, it leaves the reader frustrated.

A good short story often has a strong plot. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the plot of the narrator's guilt over the murder he committed drives the whole story forward. It also needs interesting characters. Like in 'The Cask of Amontillado', Montresor and Fortunato are both complex characters. And a good short story usually has a clear theme, such as the exploration of human nature in 'Young Goodman Brown'.

A perfect short story has a clear and engaging plot that grabs the reader's attention from the start. It also has well-developed characters and a powerful ending that leaves a lasting impression.

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.

A great apocalypse short story often has a vividly described post - apocalyptic world. For example, it might detail the desolate landscapes, like in 'The Road'. Also, strong characters are key. In 'I Am Legend', the main character's struggle against the vampires makes the story engaging. And the themes are important too. Stories that explore survival, human nature, and the hope or lack of it in the face of disaster, such as 'A Canticle for Leibowitz', tend to be the best.