What are the characteristics of the best authors of short stories?

Often, American authors' short stories are characterized by their exploration of the American Dream, whether it's the pursuit of it or the disillusionment with it. For example, many stories deal with the idea of starting anew in a new land. They also tend to have a strong sense of place, like the frontier in some stories which represents both opportunity and danger. And the characters in these stories are often complex individuals, representing different social classes and ethnicities.

African authors' short stories often have strong cultural elements. They incorporate local traditions, languages, and beliefs. For example, the use of proverbs and folktales is common. Another characteristic is the exploration of social and political issues. Given Africa's complex history of colonialism, apartheid in some regions, and ongoing development struggles, these themes are frequently addressed. Also, family and community play important roles in the stories, as African society values these relationships highly.

Authors of short stories often have to be concise. They need to build characters quickly. For example, in a short story by Ernest Hemingway, he can create a vivid character in just a few sentences. Their plots are usually tight. There's no room for long, drawn - out subplots. They focus on a single event or a short period of time.

The use of rich and vivid language is common in black authors' short stories. They might incorporate African - American Vernacular English or other dialects to give an authentic feel to the stories. This not only makes the stories more engaging but also helps in portraying the unique voices of the characters. Also, these short stories often deal with social justice issues. Whether it's fighting against police brutality, unequal educational opportunities, or poverty, they are a means to raise awareness and call for change.

Authors who write short stories are often very good at being concise. They can create vivid characters in just a few words. For example, Raymond Carver is able to make his characters feel real and relatable in a short space.

British authors' short stories often have a strong sense of place. For example, many are set in the British Isles, and the descriptions of the landscapes, towns, and cities are vivid. They also tend to have complex characters with deep - seated emotions and motives. Another characteristic is the use of irony. Many British short stories use irony to create a sense of humor or to make a deeper point about society or human nature. For instance, Saki's stories are full of ironic twists.

One characteristic is the in - depth exploration of human nature. Russian authors often dig deep into the psyche of their characters. For example, Chekhov shows how people are driven by their desires and fears. Another is the vivid portrayal of the social environment. Gogol's works, for instance, give a clear picture of the bureaucratic and social hierarchies in Russia at his time. They are also known for their complex themes, like love, morality, and the search for meaning in Tolstoy's short stories.

These authors also tend to be interested in the human psyche. They explore the darker aspects of human nature, such as madness, obsession, and guilt. Through their stories, they can make the readers confront these uncomfortable aspects within themselves.

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.

Many Indian short stories are known for their vivid descriptions of the Indian landscape and daily life. Whether it's the bustling bazaars, the serene rural villages, or the grand palaces, these settings play an important role in the stories. Moreover, the stories usually carry a moral or a message. They might be about the importance of kindness, the evils of greed, or the need for social change.