What makes a short story be among the top best short stories?

Evelyn Waugh's short stories are among the best because of his astute observations of society. He was able to take a look at different aspects of life, whether it was the upper - class society with all its pretensions or the more mundane aspects of human nature. For example, in many of his stories, he shows how people's vanity and self - importance can lead them into all sorts of comical or tragic situations. His characters are often complex and multi - dimensional, which makes them very interesting to read about. He also has a great sense of pacing in his stories, knowing just when to build up the tension and when to release it with a touch of humor or a surprising turn of events.

A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, 'The Lottery' has this very unexpected concept of a lottery that's not what you'd initially think. It also needs engaging characters, even if they're briefly described. In 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple is so relatable. And a good short story usually has a well - crafted plot that can be told in a short space without feeling rushed or incomplete.

A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the idea of the couple sacrificing their most precious things in a selfless way is very touching. It also has well - developed characters, even in a short space. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', the old man is a very mysterious and thought - provoking character.

A great short story often has a powerful and engaging plot. For example, it might have a big twist at the end like in 'The Lottery'. It also needs well - developed characters, even if it's just a short piece. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the characters are complex and interesting. And the theme should be thought - provoking, like the exploration of human nature in 'Young Goodman Brown'.

A great short story often has a strong and engaging plot. It grabs the reader's attention from the start and keeps them hooked until the end. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', Poe creates a tense and suspenseful plot with the narrator's descent into madness. Another factor is well - developed characters. Even in a short space, the characters need to be believable and interesting. In 'A Rose for Emily', Faulkner creates a complex character in Emily. Also, the use of themes that are relevant and thought - provoking, like the exploration of love and sacrifice in 'The Gift of the Magi', can make a short story one of the best.

His unique voice. Singer writes with a blend of humor and pathos. He can make you laugh at the quirks of his characters one moment and then feel deeply sad for their plights the next. This combination creates a reading experience that is both engaging and thought - provoking.

Alice Munro's stories are often considered among the best American short stories because of her masterful characterization. She can create complex, fully - formed characters in a short space. For example, in many of her stories, she delves deep into the inner lives of female characters, showing their hopes, fears, and desires in a nuanced way.

The theme also matters a great deal. 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London has a powerful theme of man's struggle against nature. The man in the story underestimates the power of the cold in the Yukon and his ultimate fate serves as a warning about the indifference of nature towards human beings.

A good creepy short story needs a strong sense of mystery. Take 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. You're constantly wondering what the narrator will do next and why he's so obsessed with the old man's eye. Another important factor is the use of vivid descriptions. In 'The Masque of the Red Death', Poe's detailed descriptions of the different rooms and the masked figure add to the creepiness. Also, the theme of the story can contribute. If it's about something that violates our normal sense of the world, like in 'Carmilla' with its vampire element, it can be very creepy.

One key factor is strong character development. Even in a short space, great short stories create characters that feel real and complex. For example, in 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the grandmother is a multi - faceted character. Another aspect is the theme. Stories like 'The Yellow Wallpaper' have powerful themes that resonate deeply, in this case, about women's oppression. Also, the use of language. Hemingway's precise and minimalistic language in 'Hills Like White Elephants' adds to its allure.