What are the characteristics of classic short short stories?

Classic short stories often have concise yet vivid characterizations. For example, in Guy de Maupassant's short stories, he can create complex characters in just a few paragraphs. They also usually have a well - structured plot that unfolds quickly and efficiently.

They usually have a clear central conflict related to love. In 'The Lady, or the Tiger?', the conflict is between the princess's love for the man and her jealousy if he chooses the other woman. This conflict drives the story forward and makes it engaging.

Exaggeration is another characteristic. In stories like 'Don Quixote' excerpts which can be considered short stories in a way. Don Quixote's over - the - top delusions and his battles with windmills are highly exaggerated, and that's what makes it funny. His outlandish behavior in a normal world setting creates humor.

They usually have well - developed characters despite their short length. In 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, even though it's a short story, Scrooge is a very complex and memorable character. Also, classic short stories often use vivid language to create a strong atmosphere. In Poe's stories, the language he uses makes the spooky and eerie settings really come to life.

Classic British short stories often have complex characters. For example, in Dickens' stories, the characters are vividly drawn with their own quirks and flaws. They also tend to have a strong sense of place, like the foggy London streets in many stories. And the themes usually revolve around moral and social issues, such as class differences and the human condition.

One characteristic is their concise yet powerful storytelling. They manage to convey deep themes and complex characters in a relatively short space. For example, in 'The Necklace', Maupassant quickly sets up the main character's situation and her desires, and then shows how her actions lead to consequences. Another characteristic is their universality. Stories like 'The Gift of the Magi' can be understood and related to across different cultures and time periods. They often deal with basic human emotions such as love, envy, and greed.

Classic dark short stories often have a sense of foreboding. They may start with an ordinary setting but quickly introduce elements that make the reader feel uneasy. For example, in 'The Lottery', the idyllic small - town setting at first masks the cruel lottery tradition. Dark stories also tend to have complex characters, like the unreliable narrator in 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. Their actions are often driven by hidden motives, such as revenge or madness, as seen in 'The Cask of Amontillado'.

They often feature the Australian landscape, like the outback or bush. For example, in 'The Drover's Wife', the harsh outback setting is almost a character itself. Another characteristic is the use of Aussie slang, which gives the stories an authentic Australian feel.

Classic satire short stories usually have a target for their satire. It could be human vices such as greed, vanity, or ignorance. For instance, in 'The Devil and Tom Walker', the target is greed. They also use humor to convey their message. 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' is full of humorous elements while making a satirical point about human nature. Moreover, they often expose the flaws in social systems or human behavior in a thought - provoking way.

One characteristic is the exploration of complex relationships. In classic gay short stories, relationships are not just about love but also about power dynamics, social acceptance, and personal growth. For instance, in 'Giovanni's Room', the relationship between the two main characters is filled with passion, but also with the internal and external conflicts due to their homosexuality in a less - than - accepting society. Another characteristic is the use of symbolism. Writers often use symbols to represent the hidden or unspoken aspects of gay life. It could be a particular place or object that holds special meaning for the characters.