What are the characteristics of a good 4 page short story?

A 70 - page short story often has the ability to create a vivid and immersive world. Since it has more space than a very brief short story, it can describe the setting in greater detail. For instance, in 'The Call of the Wild' which can be around this length in some editions, the author is able to paint a detailed picture of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. This detailed setting helps to enhance the overall mood of the story and makes the reader feel as if they are truly there.

A 2 - page famous short story is often concise yet impactful. It usually has a single, well - defined theme. For example, in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the theme of vanity and its consequences is clear. It doesn't have much room for complex sub - plots but still manages to create vivid characters in a short span.

They usually have a small number of characters. Since there is limited space, the author can't develop a large cast. In 'A Rose for Emily', the main focus is on Emily and the townspeople's perception of her. Also, 5 - page short stories tend to have a quick - paced plot. There's not much room for long, drawn - out build - ups. They often start near the inciting incident and move rapidly towards the climax and resolution, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the woman's mental state deteriorates quite quickly.

They are concise. In just 10 pages, they need to convey a complete plot. For example, they usually have a focused theme, like in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, which is about the consequences of vanity.

Often, 20 - page short stories tend to have a limited number of characters. This allows for in - depth exploration of the main characters' personalities and motives. In 'The Cask of Amontillado', the two main characters are explored thoroughly in a relatively short space, making the story full of tension and mystery.

Often, 3 - page short stories focus on a single theme or idea intensely. Take 'The Yellow Wallpaper' as an example. In those few pages, it delves deeply into the mental breakdown of the female protagonist due to her confinement and the lack of agency she has. It's all about the exploration of her psychological state.

Often, they focus on a single moment or a very narrow theme. They can be very impactful because they cut straight to the core of the emotion or situation. Take 'The Lottery' as an example. It's a one - page story that creates a huge shock with its simple yet dark concept.

One characteristic is their concise nature. Despite being short, they can convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, they often have a single, strong theme that is developed quickly.

They are concise. They usually focus on one main idea or event. For example, in 'The Most Dangerous Game', the main idea of the hunt is presented clearly within one page.

They are concise. Despite being just a page long, they can convey a complete story arc with a beginning, middle and end.