What are the characteristics of some best short stories?

The best short stories usually have an engaging plot. Take 'Hills Like White Elephants' for instance. The simple conversation between the two characters holds a lot of mystery and tension. They also tend to have a unique narrative voice. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the first - person narration really lets the reader get into the mind of the protagonist. And most good short stories leave a lasting impression, like 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' which makes you think about human nature long after reading.

The best short short stories usually have a tight plot. Take 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' for instance. The events are carefully crafted to build suspense and surprise. They also tend to have well - drawn characters despite their brevity. In 'Hills Like White Elephants', the two main characters' personalities and relationship are subtly revealed through their dialogue. Moreover, they can often make a big impact with just a few words, like 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' which leaves you pondering long after reading.

They probably have engaging plots. Since they are short stories, they need to grab the reader's attention quickly. So, there could be unexpected twists and turns, like in a mystery - themed story where the solution is not what you initially expect. In addition, the use of vivid language is common. With limited space, the authors need to create a vivid world. They might use unique descriptions of settings and characters to make them come alive in the reader's mind. This helps to make the short story memorable despite its brevity.

The short stories in 'best 2019 short stories' may also be known for their ability to evoke strong emotions in a limited number of words. They can make you feel joy, sadness, or surprise in just a few pages. Take a story about a child's first encounter with loss. It can be so poignant that it stays with you long after you've finished reading, even though it's a short piece.

The best short funny stories usually have a clever play on words or situation. In the story of the man thinking he was a chicken, the idea of him laying an egg is a very odd and funny play on the situation. And they are easy to remember. You can tell these stories to your friends and family easily because they are short and the humor is straightforward.

The best short English stories often have engaging characters. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, the young couple is very relatable. They are poor but deeply in love. Also, a great short story usually has a clear and impactful theme. It can make you think about life, love, or human nature in just a few pages. Another characteristic is a well - structured plot. There's often a beginning that grabs your attention, a middle with some sort of conflict, and an ending that might surprise you or leave you with a deep impression.

Well, a great short - story book often has diverse themes. For example, it might cover everything from love to loss, from adventure to self - discovery. This allows different readers to find something they can relate to.

They often have simple plots. For example, a minimalist short story might just focus on one small event or moment in a character's life. This simplicity allows for a concentrated exploration of a single idea or emotion.

One characteristic could be a strong central argument. For example, it clearly states a unique perspective on the short story's theme, like in 'The Lottery' a good thesis might focus on the blind acceptance of tradition in the face of brutality. Another is depth. It should dig deep into the text's literary devices, character development, or narrative structure. Also, it needs to be concise yet comprehensive enough to cover the main aspects of the short story.

The best short stories usually have concise language. They don't waste words and are able to convey deep emotions or complex ideas in just a few pages. Also, they can create a vivid setting quickly. Take 'A Rose for Emily' by William Faulkner. The decaying southern town setting is set up so well that it becomes almost like another character in the story. Moreover, a great short story can leave a lasting impression on the reader, making them want to reread and analyze it over and over again.