list the characteristics of a short story

A short story typically has a concise plot. It focuses on a single incident or a few closely related events. It also has a limited number of characters, often just a few main ones. And it usually conveys a single, dominant theme.

One characteristic is its brevity. It gets to the point quickly. Also, there's a clear central conflict that the characters deal with. And it usually has a definite ending.

The short stories in this list also tend to have unexpected twists. Just like in 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce. The story seems to be going one way and then suddenly takes a completely different turn at the end, leaving the reader with a sense of shock and a new perspective on the events.

Sure. One characteristic is a clear focus. A short story doesn't wander off into multiple sub - plots. It stays centered on one main idea or event. Another is the use of symbolism. Writers often use symbols to add depth to the short story without using too many words. And the dialogue in a short story is usually very purposeful. It moves the story forward or reveals something about the characters. For instance, in a short crime story, the suspect's dialogue might give clues about their guilt.

Sure. Conciseness is key. A short story doesn't go on forever. Then there's the strong focus on a central idea or conflict. For instance, in many short stories, the conflict is resolved quickly. There is also a sense of immediacy. The story grabs your attention right away.

Sure. Compactness is important. It doesn't have the luxury of long - winded descriptions like a novel. It gets straight to the point.

They usually have strong characters, even though they may not have a lot of space to develop. In 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville, Bartleby is a very distinct character with his passive - aggressive behavior. His 'I would prefer not to' has become quite famous, and it shows how a character can be both mysterious and representative of certain aspects of society like alienation.

Many of them have strong themes. For example, they often explore human nature, like greed, love, and pride.

Well - developed characters are also common. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the main character's descent into madness is vividly portrayed. You can really feel her frustration and the slow erosion of her sanity as she is confined by her situation.

They are usually very effective in delivering a strong message. Take 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut. It's a short story that powerfully criticizes the idea of extreme equality enforced in a dystopian society, and it does this in just a few pages through vivid descriptions and unique characters.