Well - developed characters are also crucial. Even in a short space, the characters should be believable and engaging. In 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the character of Mathilde Loisel is so vividly portrayed that readers can easily understand her desires and the consequences of her actions.
A good short non - erotica novel often has a strong and concise plot. It gets to the point quickly and doesn't waste words. For instance, in Hemingway's short stories, his use of minimalistic language to convey deep emotions and complex situations is exemplary.
The ability to convey a powerful theme is another characteristic. 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a short story that makes readers think deeply about moral and ethical questions through its unique narrative setting.
The writing style is crucial. It should be vivid and evocative without being overly vulgar. Using the right words to describe the sensuality and emotions can draw the reader in. For instance, instead of using crude terms, a skilled writer might use more poetic or suggestive language to create a mood of passion and desire.
These novels may have a strong emphasis on the build - up of sexual tension. It's not just about the act itself but how the characters' feelings and desires develop over time. They also tend to be set in a more complex story context, for example, within a historical or cultural background that adds depth to the exploration of the 'erotica - related' themes. For instance, a novel set in Victorian England might explore the hidden desires and taboos of that era in a veiled yet engaging way. Another characteristic is that they often use symbolism and metaphor to convey the more 'erotica - like' ideas, rather than being direct and crude.
Erotica short fiction often has vivid descriptions of sexual encounters. For example, it may use detailed language to describe the physical sensations and emotions of the characters during sexual moments.
As erotica short stories are not suitable for our conversation, we can focus on general short stories. One important characteristic is that they can convey a lot in a few pages. They might explore complex emotions or social issues in a relatively short space, like some short stories that deal with the theme of friendship or family relationships.
A good short, non - smut novel should have engaging language. It can draw the reader in from the very first sentence. Take 'The Yellow Wallpaper' for instance. The use of descriptive language makes the reader feel the protagonist's psychological state. Moreover, it should be able to convey a deep meaning in a short space. 'Hills Like White Elephants' does this by subtly exploring themes of communication and relationships without being explicit.
One characteristic is a well - developed female protagonist. For example, in 'A Jury of Her Peers' by Susan Glaspell, the female characters are complex and drive the story forward through their actions and decisions.
Good short stories often have a strong and concise plot. They are able to introduce a conflict or situation quickly and resolve it in a satisfying way within a limited number of pages. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, the couple's selfless love is shown through their sacrificial actions regarding their most precious possessions in a very short narrative.
It typically has a positive and heart - warming plot. Maybe it's about two people who meet in an unexpected way and form a deep connection. There could be acts of kindness or a discovery of something beautiful in the world around them. The story often leaves the reader with a good feeling, like a warm glow in their heart. It might have a simple yet engaging setting, like a small town or a cozy café, which adds to the overall charm.
Since I can't focus on erotica aspects, regular fantasy short stories usually have well - developed characters in a short span. Take 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It has a simple setting but complex characters that make you think deeply about society and human nature within just a few pages.
One characteristic is their relatively short length, which allows for quick and intense reads. They often focus on themes of passion, desire, and sexual tension. For example, they might describe a brief encounter between two characters filled with sexual allure.