What are the qualities of a good short story?

One quality is integrity. A character with integrity sticks to their moral principles no matter what. For example, in a short story, a detective could refuse bribes while solving a case, showing integrity. Another quality is courage. This allows the character to face difficulties or danger. A young hero in a short story might bravely enter a haunted house to save a friend. Also, compassion is important. A good character feels for others. Like a kind old woman in a story who takes in a homeless child out of compassion.

One important quality is a concise plot. Since it's short, it has to get to the point quickly. Another is vivid characters, even if briefly described. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the two main characters' selfless love is shown through their simple yet profound actions. Also, a strong theme is necessary. It gives the story depth and makes the reader think.

They should be responsible. For example, if there is a problem in the community such as pollution or a broken public facility, they take the initiative to solve it. They don't wait for others to do it. In a short story, this could be shown by a character who cleans up a dirty alley or reports a broken streetlight. Another important quality is being respectful. They respect the rights and opinions of others in the community. This can be seen when a character in a story listens to different viewpoints during a community meeting without interrupting or being rude.

Good short stories usually have a unique voice. The author's style of writing should be distinct. It can be humorous, solemn, or sarcastic. For instance, Mark Twain has a very recognizable voice in his short stories. Also, the pacing matters. It shouldn't be too slow or too fast. A proper pace keeps the reader engaged at all times.

A good story should have an engaging plot. It grabs the reader's attention from the start and keeps them hooked until the end. For example, in 'The Lord of the Rings', the quest to destroy the One Ring creates a captivating and complex plot.

A great plot is also a key quality. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. There should be some sort of conflict, like in 'The Lord of the Rings' where there is a battle between good and evil for the fate of Middle - earth. This keeps the audience engaged.

A good mystery story should have an intriguing plot. It needs to keep the readers guessing until the very end. Also, well - developed characters are essential. They should be complex and have their own motives. And a mysterious atmosphere is a must, which can be created by using descriptive language.

Accuracy is a key quality. A good journalist story should be based on facts. Every detail, from names to events, must be correct. Another important quality is objectivity. Journalists should present all sides of a story without bias. They are not supposed to let their personal opinions interfere with the reporting. Also, relevance matters. The story should be of interest to the target audience and have significance in the current context.

A good detective story should have a complex and mysterious plot. It keeps the readers guessing until the end. Also, the characters, especially the detective, need to be well - developed with unique personalities. For example, Sherlock Holmes is known for his brilliant deductive skills and eccentric personality.

A good feature story should have strong characters. Characters that are interesting, relatable, and complex can draw readers in. Also, it needs a unique angle. This sets it apart from other stories and makes it stand out. And vivid descriptions are essential too. They help to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.