What makes a violent short story one of the best?

A great short short story often has a strong concept. For example, it can convey a deep emotion or idea in just a few pages. If it has a unique plot twist like in 'The Gift of the Magi', it can be really engaging. Also, the use of language matters. A story that uses vivid and concise language can be very effective. For instance, Hemingway's short stories are known for their sparse yet powerful prose.

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.

A great satirical short story often has a sharp and unique perspective. It can expose the flaws and vices in society, like hypocrisy or greed, in a very direct way. For instance, if it's satirizing consumerism, it might show how people are obsessed with buying things they don't need just to fit in.

Character development is key. In a story like 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor, the characters are complex and multi - dimensional. The grandmother, for instance, is full of contradictions, which makes the story more interesting. Also, the use of modern themes like alienation, as seen in many Kafkaesque short stories, can contribute to a story being considered one of the best. These themes resonate with modern readers who may experience similar feelings in the fast - paced, often impersonal modern world.

Well, for a fantasy short story to be among the best, it needs to have a well - crafted world - building. Even in a short format, it should be able to create a believable and immersive fantasy world. The story should also have an emotional impact. Whether it makes you feel sad, happy, or scared, like 'The Hunger Games' short stories. And the pacing should be just right, not too slow that you get bored or too fast that you miss important details.

A short story can be considered the best informative one if it has a clear message. For example, if it's about friendship, it should show different aspects of friendship like loyalty, support, etc. in a concise way.

A strong and complex character is key. For example, in 'The Godfather', Vito and Michael Corleone are complex characters involved in violent acts. Their motives, family loyalty, and the power dynamics make the violent elements more engaging.