Not having read the story, it's difficult to say exactly who the characters are. However, it's possible that there are characters like a young child who is filled with wonder at the sight of the eclipse. And perhaps an old sage - like figure who uses the eclipse as an opportunity to teach the younger characters about the cycles of nature and the significance of such celestial events in the grand scheme of things.
The main idea could be about the celestial event of an eclipse. It might describe how the eclipse affects the characters, the environment, or it could be a metaphor for something bigger like a change or a disruption in the characters' lives.
The sun and the moon are key elements. In a solar eclipse short story, the moon moving in front of the sun is central. Also, the reaction of people or characters is important. For example, their fear or wonder at the sudden change in the sky.
Once upon a time, during a solar eclipse, a little girl was outside. She thought the world was ending as the sun disappeared. But her grandmother told her it was just a solar eclipse. The girl watched in amazement as the sky darkened and the birds went quiet. Then, as the eclipse passed, the sun slowly peeked out again. It was a magical moment she would never forget.
The themes in 'the eclipse short fiction' may include the passage of time. Just as an eclipse is a brief yet significant event in the sky, it can represent a moment of change or a turning point in the flow of time within the story. Also, isolation could be a theme. The unique and somewhat otherworldly nature of an eclipse can create a sense of isolation for the characters, either physically or emotionally.
I'm not sure specifically as I don't have the actual 'the eclipse short fiction' in front of me. But usually, in such stories, there could be an observer. This person might be an astronomer or just someone who is fascinated by the eclipse. They would be the ones to witness the eclipse and have their experiences shaped by it.
One common theme is change. Just as the eclipse causes a sudden change in the amount of light, stories often use it as a symbol for a change in a character's life or the situation in the story.
Well, the Columbus Eclipse Story has to do with Columbus's encounter in the Americas. He found himself in a situation where he needed to assert some control or influence over the local tribes. Having knowledge of astronomy, he knew that a lunar eclipse was going to take place. He used this knowledge to his benefit. He made the natives believe that his deity was responsible for the darkening of the moon. This event had a significant impact on how the natives perceived Columbus and his group, and it's an example of how scientific knowledge could be used in unexpected ways during the age of exploration.