What are the characteristics of 'the best american short stories'?

Well, they often have very vivid characters. The writers manage to create complex individuals in a short space. For example, in some stories, you can see a character's whole life philosophy and personality quirks in just a few pages.

One characteristic could be the diversity of themes. They might cover a wide range of topics from the human condition to social issues. Another is the variety of writing styles, as different authors over 100 years would bring their own unique voices. Also, they may show the evolution of American culture over time through the stories' settings and characters.

One characteristic is their diversity. They cover a wide range of themes from love and loss to moral dilemmas. Another is the high - quality writing. The authors use vivid language to bring the characters and settings to life. For example, they might use detailed descriptions of a landscape to set the mood.

Often, they explore themes of race, discrimination, and the search for identity. For example, in 'Sonny's Blues', the characters are constantly grappling with what it means to be African American in a society that has marginalized them. The use of vivid language to describe the African American experience, whether it's the streets of Harlem or the rural South, is also common. They also tend to have strong character development that shows the resilience of African American people in the face of adversity.

Many American short stories often have strong character development despite their short length. For example, in 'Rip Van Winkle', we can clearly see how Rip changes from a carefree man to someone who has to adapt to a new world. They also tend to reflect American society at the time they were written, whether it's the social norms, economic situations or cultural values.

One characteristic is their diversity. They can cover a wide range of themes from love and loss to social and political issues. For example, many American short stories deal with the immigrant experience, like how people adapt to a new country. Another is their use of vivid settings. Whether it's the bustling city streets or the vast American countryside, the setting often plays a big role in the story. Also, the characters in American short stories are often complex and multifaceted, representing different aspects of American society.

American short stories often have diverse themes and styles. They can be realistic, fictional, or even a bit fantastical. The characters are usually well-developed within a limited space.

One characteristic is the strong sense of identity. African American short stories often focused on the identity of the characters as African Americans in a predominantly white society. Another is the use of oral traditions. Many were influenced by the storytelling traditions passed down through generations. Also, they frequently dealt with themes of oppression and the struggle for freedom.

American short short stories tend to reflect American culture and values. They might deal with themes such as the American Dream, individualism, or the struggle for social equality. Writers use these short forms to make sharp observations about society. For instance, stories could show how different social classes interact in a particular American setting.

Adam Johnson's works in 'Best American Short Stories' often feature complex characters. His writing style is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into the stories easily.