Well, they usually have complex characters. These characters are not just one - dimensional victims or heroes. In stories like 'The Great God Pan', the characters' actions and reactions are multi - faceted. The stories also tend to have a sense of mystery. The horror is not always fully explained, leaving the reader with a sense of unease. For example, in 'The Willows', the nature of the menacing forces is left somewhat ambiguous. And many British horror short stories have a touch of the macabre, with elements like death, decay, and the grotesque being used to create a sense of horror, as seen in 'Sredni Vashtar' with its rather dark and disturbing undertones.
British horror short stories frequently feature a slow - build of tension. They start with something seemingly ordinary and gradually introduce the horror elements. For instance, in 'The Signal - Man', it begins with a man observing a signal - man at work and then the spooky events unfold bit by bit. They also often draw on British folklore and history. Stories might incorporate elements of Celtic or Anglo - Saxon superstitions. And the language used is often quite descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the horror, such as in M.R. James' stories where the detailed descriptions of the haunted objects enhance the sense of horror.
British horror stories often have a strong sense of atmosphere. They use the gloomy and often fog - covered landscapes of Britain to create a spooky mood. For example, in 'The Woman in Black', the desolate marshlands add to the horror. Another characteristic is the use of old, haunted locations like castles and manors.
British short stories often have a strong sense of place. For example, many are set in the gloomy moors of Yorkshire or the bustling streets of London. The characters are typically complex, with a rich inner life. Their language can be quite refined and full of British idioms and cultural references.
One characteristic is their rich use of British language and idioms. British short stories often feature words and phrases that are unique to the British Isles. Another aspect is the diverse range of settings. They can be set in bustling London streets, quaint English villages, or on the wild Scottish moors.
One characteristic is the use of rich and vivid language. For example, they often use words that are specific to British English. They also tend to have a certain sense of propriety and a focus on social classes. For instance, many stories may revolve around the interactions between different social strata like in Dickens' works.
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.
British short ghost stories often have a strong sense of place. For example, old castles, moors, or abandoned manors are common settings, like in 'The Woman in Black'. They also tend to rely on the build - up of suspense. The stories slowly reveal the supernatural elements, creating a feeling of dread. For instance, in 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad', the mystery around the whistle builds up the tension.
One characteristic is the diversity of themes. They can range from exploring modern relationships, like in many of Ian McEwan's works, to dealing with social issues such as class differences as seen in some of Zadie Smith's short stories. Another is the use of complex and often experimental narrative structures. For example, some authors play with time and perspective in a way that makes the reader really think.
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.
They often have complex characters. Take 'Pride and Prejudice' (which can be considered in short story form in some respects). The characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are multi - dimensional, with their own flaws, desires and growth throughout the story. Another aspect is the use of rich language. British short stories are known for their elaborate and sometimes old - fashioned language that adds to the charm and depth of the narrative.
Well, many British lit short stories tend to be character - driven. The characters are often complex, with their own motives, desires, and flaws. They might be a stuffy aristocrat or a struggling working - class person. The themes are diverse too. There are stories about love and loss, like in some of Thomas Hardy's short works. And they often use irony and satire. Writers like Jonathan Swift in his satirical short pieces would use these devices to comment on society and human nature. Moreover, the narrative style can be quite varied, from the straightforward to the highly experimental.