short story qualities

9 Key Elements of a Short Story: What They Are and How to Apply Them

by Sarah Gribble | 1 comment

If you're new to short story writing, it can be intimidating to think of fitting everything you need in a story into a small word count. Are there certain elements of a short story you'll need to know in order for your story to be great?

Writers struggle with this all the time.

You might want to develop deep character backgrounds with a huge cast of characters, amazing settings, and at least two subplots. And that's great. But that wouldn't be writing a short story.

You might try to cut some of these things, and then all the sudden you don't have a character arc or a climax or an ending.

Every story has basic elements; a short story's basic elements are just more focused than a novel's. But all those elements must be there, and yes, they need to fit into a short word count.

In this article, you'll learn what you need to make sure your short story is a  complete  story—with three famous short story examples. These story elements are what you should focus on when writing a short piece of fiction.

The Key to Compelling Stories: It's NOT Dun, Dun, DUUN!

When I first started writing, I mainly worked on horror short stories. I wanted to create that dun, dun, DUUUN! moment at the end of all of them. You know the one. In the movies it's where the screen goes to black and you’re left feeling goosebumps.

I remember the first writing contest I entered (right here at The Write Practice!), I submitted a story that I thought was pretty decent, but didn’t really think would win.

I was right; it did not win.

But mainly I wanted the upgrade I’d purchased: feedback from the judge. She was great and told me my writing was good and tight, but there was one major issue with my story.

The dun, dun, DUUN!

I’d tried to cultivate actually meant my story just . . . cut off. There was no ending. There wasn’t even a complete climax. I got it ramped up and then just . . . stopped.

That feedback changed me as a short story writer. It made me really pay attention to what needed to be in a story versus what was unnecessary.

I studied short stories. I made note of what an author did and where. I basically taught myself story structure.

This may seem obvious, but a short story, even though it’s short, still needs to be a story.

So let’s start with the basics.

P.S. If you want to learn more about the five major steps you need to complete to write a short story, read this article .

What Is a Story?

I know a man who consistently tells stories during parties. (Sort of like this guy !)

He starts out well but then goes off on tangent after tangent, ultimately not really getting to any sort of point.

New people (re: characters ) are introduced, then dropped. New events are mentioned, but not resolved. By the time he gets to the end of his “stories,” eyes have glazed over and the “punchline,” as it were, falls flat.

What this man is telling is a short story, and he’s doing it terribly.

A story, no matter the length, can be boiled down to a character wanting something, having a hard time getting it, and finally either getting it or not.

Stories are actually simple when you look at the basics. This is why writing short stories will make you a better writer.

Short stories force a writer to practice nailing structure and pace. If you nail those things, you’ll be able to write stories of any length (and not bore people at parties).

And like novel-length stories, short stories contain certain elements in order to hold up the structure and pace.

For each story element below, I'll use three classic stories as examples:

• Shirley Jackson's “The Lottery”
• Edgar Allen Poe's “The Cask of Amontillado”
• O. Henry's “The Gift of the Magi”

Take a few minutes to refresh your memory by clicking on the links of each, if you wish.

9 Key Elements of a Short Story

When it comes down to the elements of a short story, focus on nine key elements that determine if the short story is a complete  story or a half-baked one.

1. Character

Characters in books are well-drawn. There's a lot of time spent on character development and backstory. That's not needed for short stories.

Short stories need one central character and one or two other major characters. That’s about it. There isn't enough room to have a ton of characters and a story will veer away from the central plotline if a large cast is present.

The reader doesn't need to know everything about this character . They don't even need to know their physical appearance if it's not vital to the story. Your character traits in short stories can be so minimal, they don't even need a name.

This doesn't mean the protagonist is a static character who is basically a zombie on a couch. They still have to be a dynamic character, one that changes throughout the story.

When you're thinking of character creation for short stories, you don't need to dive into too much detail. Two to three character details are normally enough.

See how the three short story examples used in this article develop characters:

The Lottery

The main character is Tessie Hutchinson.

We don't know much about Tessie, other than she's unkempt and arrives late with a slew of jokes. You'll no doubt note here that this story has a lot of characters, not just two or three.

But notice only a few of the other characters are fleshed out much at all. The other characters of note here are:

• Mr. Hutchinson
• Mr. Summers
• Old Man Warner.

The Cask of Amontillado

This short story has significantly fewer characters:

• The main character

The Gift of the Magi

There are only two named characters:

• Della, the main character
• Jim, Della's husband

2. Want/Goal

The central character needs to want something—even if it’s a glass of water, as Kurt Vonnegut famously said. (They can also not want something. But they have to have an opinion either way.) The story is their quest to get said something.

Obviously, in real life people want multiple things, often at once and often in contrast to each other. But in a short story, the goal needs to be focused and relatively simple.

This want/goal is important to the story plot. This is what drives the character's decisions as they move throughout the space of your story. The goals in the short story examples are:

Tessie, as with every other person who shows up at the lottery, doesn't want to get chosen.

Montresor wants revenge for an insult Fortunato threw his way while drunk.

Della wants to give her husband a Christmas gift.

3. Conflict

Obstacles and complications need to make the protagonist's journey hard, and these types of conflicts should raise the stakes as the protagonist tries to achieve their want/goal.

In books, multiple things need to get in the way of the character completing the goal, but in short stories, there can be as little as one central conflict .

Conflict stems from the antagonist, whether that’s an external baddie (character conflicts with each other), an internal issue, forces of nature, or society being against them. Here's how conflict works in our three examples:

The Lottery 

Tessie conflicts with the other townsfolk, her husband (who is more rule-abiding than she is), and the overall way of life the lottery is forcing.

The main conflict is this supposed insult Fortunato made to Montresor. Interestingly, even though this story is a rather brutal revenge story, there isn't much surface conflict happening.

Fortunato essentially walks to his own death without much protest. Montresor also goes through an internal conflict toward the end when he hesitates, only for a moment, over what he is doing.

The Gift of the Magic

Della has a more straightforward conflict with poverty: she's only got a dollar or two and wants to buy a nice gift for her husband.

4. Decisions

If characters sit around watching the world go by, there's no story plot. A character needs to make decisions at every turn to drive the story forward.

Your want/goal is the reason behind these decisions, but the conflict is what's driving the need to even make them.

Let's go back to Vonnegut's idea of a character wanting a glass of water (goal).

Say that character was lost in the desert (conflict). They'd do anything to get a glass of water, wouldn't they? That glass of water is the primary source of them living right at that moment, and everything revolves around that.

They're not going to make a move without it being in service of that ultimate goal.

In short stories, the protagonist's main goal is the driving force behind their decisions for the few thousand words we spend with them.

Among the decisions made in the three example stories are these:

Tessie decides to protest the results of the lottery in the hopes of not getting stoned to death.

Montresor decides to keep walling up Fortunato after his slight hesitation over whether this was really a good idea to get his revenge.

TheGift of the Magic

Della decides to cut her hair off and sell it in order to afford a gift.

This is the element of most stories that’s missing when someone tells a boring story at a party. This is the exciting part, the punchline, the ultimate point of the entire story.

This is where the character goes up against the baddie in a final showdown and either wins or loses. This is the ultimate answer to the What If Question we talked about before.

The climax for each of our examples is:

Tessie “wins” the lottery and fights the results (to no avail).

Montresor chains Fortunato in the wall and he realizes what's happening to him.

Della and Jim give each other the gifts and realize those gifts are currently “pointless” because each of them sold what they would use the gift for.

The ending is short, often only a couple of sentences in a short story. This is where everything is wrapped up.

It follows the climactic fight and winds down the remaining character and plot points, letting readers breathe and showing them what comes next for the character. (This is not the time to dun, dun, DUUN !)

This is often missing in short stories.

Ambiguous endings are fine, but the writer  must  give a glimpse of what happens to the main character.

Tessie is stoned to death so the townsfolk can go back to their normal lives.

Montresor decides to keep on sealing Fortunato behind the wall, despite the feeble protests from the man.

Della and Jim realize they really gave each other the gift of love and go about their Christmas.

When you encounter conflict in real life, you make decisions, which lead to change . It’s the same for the characters.

They change throughout this little adventure they’re on, and so do their circumstances.

If they’re in the same place at the end of the story they were at the beginning, did anything even happen?

Tessie's change is pretty obvious: she's dead. Before that, though, she changes from joking and disregarding this weird tradition to getting very scared and angry very quickly.

Montresor is freed from his irksome frenemy, and also knows a little bit more about himself and what he's capable of.

Della and Jim realize the true gift wasn't anything that could be bought and are happy with the love they've shared rather than worrying about material things.

8. Point of view (POV)

Choose one point of view and stick to it.

This is essential in a short story. You do not have enough room to go head-hopping or switching points of view with each paragraph.

You want your reader to be with your character the whole time, otherwise they will lose interest.

If you need a point of view refresher, read this article .

Here's the point of view in each of the short story examples:

Third-person omniscient

First person

Third-person limited

Even short stories should have a decently drawn setting .

This is tricky because, again, you don’t have room to be describing every little thing.

You’ll need to weave in the setting as you tell the story and stick to the essentials.

Notice the three example stories have something in common: a rather ambiguous setting.

We know Tessie lives in what seems to be an agrarian small town. We don't know where, what time period, or why the lottery exists.

Our wine lovers in “The Cask of Amontillado” are mostly in the family crypt.

We know Della and Jim live in a small, run-down apartment. We don't know where or when.

The reader doesn't know much about the setting in any of these stories, but they don't need  to know much. The plot hums along just fine without all those details.

What a Short Story is Not

It's often the case that the writer lets the muse take over when story writing.

In this case, what ends up on the page is often flowy sentences that sound profound and a “story” that sounds more like the ramblings of poor Fortunato.

It's fine to let a story writing get loose and to play with language. Innovation is experiementation.

But when a writer does this, it's often not truly a short story, or a story at all. It might be profound. It might be quote-worthy.

But it also might not be a story.

A short story is not:

• Short stories are not poems . Poetry doesn’t have the burden of having to tell a story (though it can, I know that, so don’t come at me). Short stories are stories with story structure. You can write them with poetic language, but there must be a story in there.
• Short stories are not plotless . Stream of consciousness is a great way to write morning pages, to get in the mood to write, to journal, etc. It’s not a great way to write a short story. Again, short stories are stories. They have to have a plot.
• Short stories do not have subplots . Remember that guy I talked about at the beginning of this article? When he went off on tangents, he was getting into subplot territory. There is no room in a short story for subplots.

Stick with one major event that’s happening to one main character.

A Note on “Rules”

I’ve been working with writers long enough to know that some of you reading this article are telling me off, especially with the last section.

I get it. You want to be creative. You want to follow your muse.

You want to do what I’ve just told you not to do.

Here’s the thing: rules are meant to be broken. I will give you that.

If you want to experiment and find a way to insert a new subplot and resolve it in every paragraph, do it. But in order to break the rules, you need to master them first.

Start by including each of these story elements in your  short story.

When you can ensure you have each story element consistently, then you can get crazy.

Which element do you need the most practice on? Tell us in the comments .

Revisit a short story you've written. Take fifteen minutes to analyze the story.

Look for each of these nine elements. Choose one missing element and add it. (If one isn't missing, then choose one element to beef up.)

When you’re finished, share your work in the Pro Practice Workshop .  Not a member yet? Join us here !

Sarah Gribble

Sarah Gribble is the author of dozens of short stories that explore uncomfortable situations, basic fears, and the general awe and fascination of the unknown. She just released Surviving Death , her first novel, and is currently working on her next book.

Follow her on Instagram or join her email list for free scares.

Work with Sarah Gribble?

Bestselling author with over five years of coaching experience. Sarah Gribble specializes in working with Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Horror, Speculative Fiction, and Thriller books. Sound like a good fit for you?

Excellent post. I am okay with your weekly scares now.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Join over 450,000 readers who are saying YES to practice. You’ll also get a free copy of our eBook 14 Prompts :

Popular Resources

Book Writing Tips & Guides Creativity & Inspiration Tips Writing Prompts Grammar & Vocab Resources Best Book Writing Software ProWritingAid Review Writing Teacher Resources Publisher Rocket Review Scrivener Review Gifts for Writers

Books By Our Writers

You've got it! Just us where to send your guide.

Enter your email to get our free 10-step guide to becoming a writer.

You've got it! Just us where to send your book.

Enter your first name and email to get our free book, 14 Prompts.

Want to Get Published?

Enter your email to get our free interactive checklist to writing and publishing a book.

Characteristics of a Short Story

Table of Contents

SHORT STORY

“A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it.” – Edgar Allan Poe

A short story is prose, which is distinct from longer narratives such as epic, novels, and romance.

It is essentially concerned with a single effect conveyed in a single episode or scene and involves a limited number of characters. A short story can have even one character and in more avant-garde examples, there need not be even a plot or a character .

Please enable JavaScript

It may also happen that a short story may concentrate on the creation of mood or atmosphere rather than the telling of a story. A short story focuses on the outcome of the events (Ex: Sherlock Holmes; O. Henry, Saki, Poe —often considered the originator of the short story). Still, in the works of some artists, there is more attention on character : spiritual, moral, psychological qualities (Ex., Hemingway, Chekov, Melville). Strictly speaking, a short story differs from a novel in terms of “magnitude.” Poe, one of the earliest one to theorize the genre defines it as “as a narrative which can be read at one sitting of from half an hour to 2 hours, and is limited to ‘a certain unique or single effect’ to which every detail is subordinate.”

Scholars always differ over the ideal length of a short story. D.H. Lawrence’s The Fox (1923) is 30, 000 words long. Still, like the novel, the form is flexible and capable of endless variety. But unlike the novel, it has no room for leisurely development of characters or the setting. A remarkable feature of the short story is that it often begins on the verge of the climax , whereas its exposition and dénouement are swift.

A short story is a narrative, that is, it consists of a series of events that are told by a narrator to a reader or a listener.

All short stories have a beginning, and ending and a general purpose.

The main features of short stories are :

1. Setting – the place and time where the events take place. These can be stated directly or implied. The short story usually covers a short time span. It is unusual to have several settings in a short story because of it limited length.

4. a closure – the “ending” of the narrative, which may solve the problematic issues – in this case the ending is closed – or leave situations unresolved – in this case the ending is open and story ends with the climax .

5. a narrator – the “voice” that tells the story. The narrator must not be confused with the author, who is a real person. The narrator is purely fictional.

Short stories very seldom have complex plots. Therefore, intensity is a very important feature of a short story. Narrative style is the way the writer uses language to express meaning. Short story writers usually let their reader work things out for themselves. The number of words is limited. Typical feature of the short story is its economy. The way something is said (form) influences what is said (content) and vice versa.

The short story is a newer form of literature than other genres, like drama, poetry, or novels. Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote his tales of horror in the 19th century, is usually acknowledged as one of the first short story writers. Since then, many writers have chosen the genre to express their ideas. Each writer focuses on different elements of the story. Some emphasize theme, and use the short story to teach a moral or a lesson. Others create atmosphere in their stories, or develop character or setting.

Have something to say Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Smart English Notes

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Home » Writing » What is a short story?

What is the history of the short story?

Short-form storytelling can be traced back to ancient legends, mythology, folklore, and fables found in communities all over the world. Some of these stories existed in written form, but many were passed down through oral traditions. By the 14 th century, the most well-known stories included  One Thousand and One Nights (Middle Eastern folk tales by multiple authors, later known as  Arabian Nights ) and Canterbury Tales  (by Geoffrey Chaucer).

It wasn’t until the early 19th century that short story collections by individual authors appeared more regularly in print. First, it was the publication of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, then Edgar Allen Poe’s Gothic fiction, and eventually, stories by Anton Chekhov, who is often credited as a founder of the modern short story.

The popularity of short stories grew along with the surge of  print magazines  and journals. Newspaper and magazine editors began publishing stories as entertainment, creating a demand for short, plot-driven narratives with mass appeal. By the early 1900s,  The Atlantic Monthly , The New Yorker , and  Harper’s Magazine were paying good money for short stories that showed more literary techniques. That golden era of publishing gave rise to the short story as we know it today.

What are the different types of short stories?

Short stories come in all kinds of categories: action, adventure, biography, comedy, crime, detective, drama, dystopia, fable, fantasy, history, horror, mystery, philosophy, politics, romance, satire, science fiction, supernatural, thriller, tragedy, and Western. Here are some popular types of short stories, literary styles, and authors associated with them:  

• Fable: A tale that provides a moral lesson, often using animals, mythical creatures, forces of nature, or inanimate objects to come to life (Brothers Grimm, Aesop)
• Flash fiction : A story between 5 to 2,000 words that lacks traditional plot structure or character development and is often characterized by a surprise or twist of fate (Lydia Davis)
• Mini saga: A type of micro-fiction using exactly 50 words (!) to tell a story
• Vignette: A descriptive scene or defining moment that does not contain a complete plot or narrative but reveals an important detail about a character or idea (Sandra Cisneros)
• Modernism:  Experimenting with narrative form, style, and chronology (inner monologues, stream of consciousness) to capture the experience of an individual (James Joyce, Virginia Woolf)
• Postmodernism: Using fragmentation, paradox, or unreliable narrators to explore the relationship between the author, reader, and text (Donald Barthelme, Jorge Luis Borges)
• Magical realism: Combining realistic narrative or setting with elements of surrealism, dreams, or fantasy (Gabriel García Márquez)
• Minimalism: Writing characterized by brevity, straightforward language, and a lack of plot resolutions (Raymond Carver, Amy Hempel)

What are some famous short stories?

• “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843) – Edgar Allen Poe
• “The Necklace” (1884) – Guy de Maupassant
• “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892) – Charlotte Perkins Gilman
• “The Story of an Hour” (1894) – Kate Chopin
• “Gift of the Magi” (1905) – O. Henry
• “The Dead,” “The Dubliners” (1914) – James Joyce
• “The Garden Party” (1920) – Katherine Mansfield
• “Hills Like White Elephants” (1927), “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (1936) – Ernest Hemingway
• “The Lottery” (1948) – Shirley Jackson
• “Lamb to the Slaughter” (1953) – Roald Dahl
• “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” (1955) – Gabriel García Márquez
• “Sonny’s Blues” (1957) – James Baldwin
• “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” (1953), “Everything That Rises Must Converge” (1961) – Flannery O’Connor

What are some popular short story collections?

• The Things They Carried – Tim O’Brien
• Labyrinths – Jorge Luis Borges
• Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman – Haruki Murakami
• Nine Stories – J.D. Salinger
• What We Talk About When We Talk About Love – Raymond Carver
• The Stories of John Cheever – John Cheever
• Welcome to the Monkey House – Kurt Vonnegut
• Complete Stories – Dorothy Parker
• Interpreter of Maladies – Jhumpa Lahiri
• Suddenly a Knock at the Door – Etgar Keret

Do you have a short story collection or another book project in the works? Download our free layout software , BookWright, today and start envisioning the pages of your next book!

This is a unique website which will require a more modern browser to work! Please upgrade today!

This is a modern website which will require Javascript to work.

Please turn it on!

Looking to publish? Meet your dream editor, designer and marketer on Reedsy.

Find the perfect editor for your next book

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Guides • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on May 17, 2021

What is a Short Story? Definitions and Examples

A short story is a form of fiction writing defined by its brevity . A short story usually falls between 3,000 and 7,000 words — the average short story length is around the 5,000 mark. Short stories primarily work to encapsulate a mood, typically covering minimal incidents with a limited cast of characters — in some cases, they might even forgo a plot altogether.   

Many early-career novelists have dabbled in the form and had their work featured in literary magazines and anthologies. Others, like Raymond Carver and Alice Munro, have made it their bread and butter. From “starter” short story writers to short story experts, there’s an incredible range of short stories out there.

In this series of guides, we'll be looking into short stories and showing you how any writer can write a powerful piece of short fiction — and even get it published. But before we get into the weeds, let's look at a few examples to demonstrate the range and flexibility of this form.

What short story should you read next?

Find out here! Takes 30 seconds

Broadly speaking, you could answer the question of "what is a short story" in a few ways, starting with the most obvious.

A classic short narrative

Though short stories must inherently be concise pieces of writing, they often incorporate elements of the novel to retain a similar impact. A ‘classic short narrative’ is the most story-telling-by-the-numbers that a short story can get — the plot will imitate long-form fiction by having a defined exposition, escalating rising action , a climax, and a resolution.

Short stories do differ from longer prose works in some respects: they’re unlikely to contain a huge cast of characters, multiple points of view , or successive climaxes like those found in novellas and novels. But despite these cuts, if the author does their job right, a ‘classic’ short story will be just as affecting and memorable as a novel — if not more so.

Example #1: “Speaking in Tongues” by ZZ Packer

Tia, disillusioned with her strict Pentecostal upbringing in a sleepy Southern town, escapes her great-aunt’s clutches to find her mother in Atlanta. This story starts with a classic expository beat — Tia at school, flicking through a religious textbook, dreaming of another life. This is followed by a crisis: Tia travels by bus to the big city, befriends a man on the street, and goes to stay with him, only to learn that he is a drug dealer and a pimp. Eventually, Tia returns home to her great-aunt. In all, it’s a sensitive story about the vulnerability of youth and the longing for family.

As short stories go, “Speaking In Tongues” has a pretty impressive narrative. You can see how the premise and plot could work as a longer piece of fiction, but they pack even more of a punch in this shorter form.

A vignette is a short story that presents a neatly packaged moment in time, usually in quite a technically accomplished fashion. ‘Vignette’ is French word more frequently used to signify a small portrait, but in a literary sense, it means “a brief evocative description, account, or episode”. This could be of a person, event or place. 

Fleetingness is at the crux of a vignette short story. For that reason, it is likely to be heavy on description, light on plot. You might find a particularly embellished description of a character or setting, often with a strong dose of symbolism that corresponds with a central theme.

Example #2: “Viewfinder” by Raymond Carver

“Viewfinder” has a simple premise: a traveling photographer takes a photo of the narrator’s house, sells it to him on his doorstep, and is invited in for coffee. The story emphasizes feelings of loneliness that come to the fore in their interaction, captured brilliantly by Carver’s unadorned writing style. Tales like this that attribute importance to the mundane are arguably best served by a concise form as Carver's fascination with banal events could have become repetitive and rudderless in a longer piece of work.

Many critics agree that no one writes the American working classes quite like Carver. His stories chronicle the everyday experiences of Midwestern men and women eking out a living then fish, play cards, and shoot the breeze as life passes them by. It won Carver immense critical acclaim in his lifetime and is a great example of short-form writing that emphasizes mood rather than plot.

An anecdote

An anecdote recounted to friends is most successful when it’s pacey, humorous, and has a quick crescendo. The same can be said of short stories that capitalize on this storytelling device. 

Anecdotal stories take on a more conversational tone and are more meandering in style, in contrast to the directness of other short stories and flash fiction . It can have a conventional story structure, like the classic short narrative, or it may focus on a particular stylistic recounting of an event. Basically, an anecdote allows a writer to have fun with the way a story is told — though exactly how it unfolds remains important too.

Example #3: “We Love You Crispina” by Jenny Zhang

Zhang’s 2017 short story collection Sour Heart chronicles the rough-and-tumble lives of recently immigrated Chinese-American living in downtown Manhattan. The stories in this collection are told from the perspectives of children, and the narrative takes full advantage of the impish, filterless way in which children relate their own experiences to themselves and others.

In “We Love You Crispina”, young Christina’s life in a crowded Washington Heights tenement block is refracted through her naive, contradictory understandings of the world. Her parents are struggling to get a leg up and are contemplating sending her back to Shanghai — but Christina is more concerned with how the bed bugs in their cramped apartment are making her itchy, and dissecting the interactions she has in the school playground. It’s a wonderfully nuanced exercise in contrast, as well as a reminder of what feels most important to us when we’re small, rendered potently through Christina’s 'anecdotal' voice.

An experiment with genre  

Short stories, by nature, are more flexible pieces of fiction that aren’t wedded to the diktat of longer-form fiction. It means they can play around with and challenge the expectations of a genre’s expected conventions, in a relatively ‘low stakes’ way compared to a full-blown novel. 

Oftentimes, an experiment won’t be a complete reinvention of the genre. Instead, one might find a refreshing twist on a classic trope — or, as in the example below, upping the ante and taking a genre to heights it has never been before.

Example #4: “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor

This short story sent shock waves through the American literary establishment when it was first published in 1953. It follows a Southern family on a road trip to visit the children’s grandmother — who end up crashing their car and happening upon a mysterious group of men. I won’t spoil the rest for you, but one word of warning: don’t expect a happy ending.

“A Good Man Is Hard To Find” incorporates common themes of Southern gothic literature , like religious imagery, and — surprise surprise — characters meeting a gruesome demise, but its controversial final scene marks it out. The macabre detail was shocking to audiences at the time but is now held up as a stellar example of the genre (and also exemplifies how a well-executed bit of subversion can become the golden standard in literature!). You might want to sleep with one eye open after reading this, but that’s half the point, right?

An exercise in extreme brevity

How many words do you actually need to tell a great story? If you were to ask that to someone who writes flash fiction , they tell you "fewer than 1,000 words."

The defining element that sets flash fiction apart from the standard-issue short story — other than word count — is that much more needs to be implied, rather than said upfront. Flash fiction, and especially mega-short microfiction, perfectly embody this principle of inference, which itself derives from Ernest Hemingway ’s Iceberg Theory of story development.

Example #5 “Curriculum” by Sejal Shah

“ Curriculum ”, clocking in at exactly 500 words, is a great sampling of the emotional, personal language that appears frequently in flash fiction. A handkerchief, some cream cloth, and a pair of glasses become important symbols around which Shah contemplates identity and womanhood, in the form of a series of questions that follow her descriptions of the objects.

This kind of deliberate, highly considered structure ensures that Shah’s flash fiction makes a razor-sharp point, whilst also allowing for a contemplative tone that transcends the words on the page. When done well, this style of short fiction can be a greater-than-expected vehicle for thoughtful comments on a range of issues.

If you’re in the mood to read more around the form, check out our picks for the 31 best short stories .

As you can see, the short story is an art form on its own that requires deftness, clarity, and a strong grasp of how to make an economy of words compelling and innovative. If you’re feeling ready to write a short story of your own, proceed to the next post in this series.

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

Craft a satisfying story arc

Outline and write your short story with our step-by-step template.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

• Non-Fiction
• Author’s Corner
• Reader’s Corner
• Writing Guide
• Book Marketing Services
• Write for us

Readers' Corner

How to Write a Short Story

From idea generation to publication, learn every step of the short story writing process

Table of contents

What is a short story, developing ideas and premises, creating characters, plotting the story, structuring your story, refining your revision process, publishing and promoting your story, examples of classic short stories.

Writing a short story may seem like an easy or simple task, but crafting an engaging and compelling piece of short fiction takes skill and practice. In this guide, we will explore the key elements that go into writing an effective short story, including developing characters, crafting a plot, using narrative techniques, and revising and polishing your work. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of the short story writing process and be ready to draft your own tales.

Before diving into the how-tos of writing short fiction, it’s important to understand exactly what constitutes a short story. At its most basic, a short story is a brief work of prose fiction that is shorter in length than a novel. But there are some key distinguishing characteristics of short stories versus longer works of fiction:

• Length  – Most short stories range from 1,000 to 7,500 words, though some can be shorter or a bit longer. Anything over 15,000 words is generally considered a novella or novel.
• Single focused plot  – Short stories focus on one core conflict or storythread, without subplots. The narrative is more tightly-woven than a novel.
• Few main characters  – There are usually only a handful of major characters rather than dozens or more. Background on characters is limited.
• Swift pacing  – Events move at a brisker clip since there is less time/space. Exposition and backstory are kept to a minimum.
• Condensed context  – Less emphasis is placed on extensive descriptions of setting or character backgrounds. Context is revealed through events.

Remember that these are guidelines rather than hard rules. Experimental or creative stories may play with conventions. The key point is that short stories aim to packs a narrative punch within a tighter, more focused scope than a novel.

When drafting a short story, one of the first steps is coming up with a core idea or premise to build the narrative around. Here are some effective techniques for generating initial story concepts:

Brainstorming Prompts  – Use writing prompts, either from online lists or ones you generate yourself, as a springboard. Things like “A woman finds $5,000 that isn’t hers” can spark ideas.

Personal Anecdotes  – Draw on interesting real-life experiences , people you know, odd things that happen to you and turn them into fictional tales.

Research Topics  – Browse news stories, history facts, current events for intriguing details or social issues to explore.

Reader Challenges  – Propose a narrative challenge, like “A story told through instant messages” to ignite creativity.

Mindmaps/Freewriting – Jot down any concepts, images, or questions without filtering, as these nonlinear methods stimulate new connections.

The premise should present a central conflict or character decision that neatly sets up the story’s focus and stakes. Keep tweaking ideas until you land on one with potential layers to unpack.

Short stories hinge upon vibrant, multilayered characters. Take time to craft appealing protagonists and supporting cast through character profiles addressing:

• Basic Details – Describe appearance, mannerisms, and background details.
• Motivations and Goals  – What drives this character? What do they want deep down?
• Flaws and Contradictions  – No one is one-dimensional. Give characters nuanced weaknesses or inconsistencies.
• Perspective and Voice  – How do they view themselves and others? What is their tone/speech patterns like?

Round out profiles by exploring each character’s dynamic with others, life experiences shaping them, and how they change through the story. Even side characters should feel authentic to avoid flat stock figures.

Short stories require tight, elevated storylining with a beginning, middle, and end. Develop the narrative arc by:

Identifying the Central Conflict  – What dramatic question or problem fuels the narrative drive?

Outlining Key Scenes  – Map the rising action, pivotal climax/turning point, and resolution of the central conflict.

Scheduling Reveals  – Parcel out contextual details and backstory judiciously, saving mysteries for climactic moments.

Foreshadowing Effectively  – Drop subtle hints that heighten foreboding, tie into later beats, and optimize surprises without logical leaps.

Crafting Satisfying Closures  – Resolve critical narrative strands while leaving room for interpretation or further questions. Avoid pat or simplistic endings.

Use this scheme to stay grounded, yet leave room for organic discoveries in the first draft. Continually assess if scenes refine character or propel plotting forward efficiently.

While short story structure is adaptable, many classics follow reliable models that help maintain pace and audience engagement. Consider opening with:

• In Medias Res  – Throw readers directly into the action/conflict without extensive setup.
• Character in Dilemma  – Pose a thought-provoking choice, want, or obstacle for protagonists up front.

Additional effective structural techniques include:

• flashbacks  – Punctuate scenes with limited retrospectives that add nuance, not confusion.
• dual timelines  – Layer two storylines, with climaxes aligning fruitfully versus disjointedly.
• Frame narratives  – Bookend the central tale with another sequence setting context or posing implications.

The structure should unfold purposefully yet economically, without dragging or wasted space. Maintain suspense and curiosity right up through a resonant closure. Functional plots serve characters and themes over arbitrary story beats.

The initial draft gets the raw content on paper, but the real crafting happens in rewriting and refinement. Hone the story by:

• Reading aloud  – Hear where language/pacing/tone feels awkward versus fluid and absorbing.
• Getting feedback  – Consult critique partners to flag ambiguities, weak areas, emotional impacts, and logical gaps
• Self-editing  – Cut excess flab while tightening prose, trimming redundant lines, sharpening dialogue/action, and finessing flow.
• Replotting  – Restructure scenes, timelines, reveals, and conclusion as needed based on editorial insights and storytelling impact.
• Polishing prose  – refine phrasing, vocabulary, sentence variation, vivid descriptions, evocative metaphor upon subsequent drafts.

Leave revisions to simmer, then revisit with fresh eyes later. The goal is a dynamic, cohesive end product where every element elevates the narrative and reader experience.

After polishing your story to a fine sheen, explore options for featuring your work:

• Submit to literary journals – Research submission guidelines for print and online publications.
• Self-publish eBooks /paperbacks – Easy-to-use platforms host and distribute your work digitally and in print.
• Create a blog/website – Post stories and build an audience through promotion on social networking platforms.
• Enter writing contests – Competitions offer exposure, potential awards, and craft feedback opportunities.
• Pitch to anthologies/magazines – Inquire about one-off story reprint/syndication opportunities in specific publications or annual collections.

Always maintain professionalism with editors and respect revision/acceptance policies. View initial publications as a learning experience and resume builder toward higher impact placements. Networking widens your supporter base as well.

To help understand the range, depth and mastery possible within the short form, explore acclaimed works like:

• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson – A chilling glimpse into blind social conformity and ritual with an unforgettably jarring climax.
• “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman – A feminist examination of postpartum depression and oppressive gender roles through a haunting first-person narrative.
• “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates – A psychological thriller following the manipulation and downfall of a naive teenage girl.
• “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs – A cautionary tale imbued with Gothic suspense sparked by a family’s fateful wishes upon a mystical talisman.
• “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin – A poignant exploration of familial bonds, the ravages of addiction, and the universal language of jazz seen through two troubled brothers.

Studying classics like these spotlights concise yet immersive storytelling , economic character development, mastery of voice , and the heights short fiction can reach when approached with vision and skill.

That covers the essentials for crafting compelling short stories that entertain audiences and advance your writing practice. Keep experimenting and learning with each new story drafted. Above all, believe in your ability to meaningfully distill life’s complexities into vivid glimpses of truth through short fiction.

Recent Articles

Thomas j gebhardt iii, dissonance, volume i: reality by aaron ryan, maestro maestro by fred calvert, binding special editions: limited edition case bound books, related posts:, foolproof steps – how to hire the right e-book writer for your needs, maximizing your roi – how creative writing services can boost your business, writing tips from stephen king, best essay checkers for 2024: free and paid options, how to market an audiobook, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Stay on Top - Get the daily news in your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter.

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

Recent Posts

The ideal entrepreneur by rahul agarwal, on writing – a memoir of the craft by stephen king, popular category.

• Book Review 627
• Reader's Corner 408
• Author's Corner 181
• Author Interview 175
• Book List 111
• Mystery Thriller 95
• Historical Fiction 80

The Bookish Elf is your single, trusted, daily source for all the news, ideas and richness of literary life. The Bookish Elf is a site you can rely on for book reviews, author interviews, book recommendations, and all things books.

Contact us: [email protected]

When You Write

What Is A Short Story? Definition & Meaning

So, you think you know what a short story is? You’ve read your fair share of them, maybe even dabbled in writing a few of your own. But do you really understand the definition and meaning behind this literary form?

It’s not just a condensed version of a novel or a simple anecdote. A short story has the power to captivate and transport you to another world in just a few pages.

Perhaps you think of short stories as outdated, something your English teacher forced you to read in high school. But the truth is, short stories are making a comeback. In our fast-paced world, where attention spans are shrinking and time is precious, the short story offers a quick and satisfying escape.

It’s the perfect medium for our society’s subconscious desire for innovation. But before you dive into the latest collection of short stories, let’s explore what makes this form of literature so unique and enduring.

Key Takeaways

• Short stories are a distinct literary form with specific characteristics, including brevity, limited characters, and settings, and a focus on a single event or moment in time.
• Short stories have a rich historical context dating back to ancient oral storytelling traditions and remain an important part of literature today, allowing writers to experiment with different styles and genres and showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities.
• Short stories often have a central theme or message and use symbolism to convey deeper meaning, requiring memorable characters and a well-crafted setting to offer a quick and satisfying escape in our fast-paced world.
• Reading short stories widely is important for becoming a better writer and gaining a better understanding of what makes a good story, including analyzing themes, exploring symbolism, and recognizing the importance of good characters and descriptive language in transporting readers to another world.

Definition and Characteristics of a Short Story

If you’re looking for a quick, thrilling read, a short story is the perfect choice! A short story is a work of fiction that usually ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 words in length. It has a specific structure that includes a beginning, middle, and end.

The beginning sets the scene and introduces the characters, the middle builds tension and conflict, and the end resolves the conflict and leaves the reader with a sense of closure.

One of the characteristics of a short story is its brevity. Unlike a novel or novella, a short story can be read in one sitting and still leave a lasting impression. Another characteristic is the limited number of characters and settings.

Because of its shorter length, a short story usually focuses on a single event or moment in time and has a smaller cast of characters than a longer work of fiction. Overall, the length of a short story is a defining feature that allows the author to pack a punch in a limited amount of space.

Historical Context

Short stories have a rich historical context that dates back to ancient times. The earliest forms of short stories can be traced to oral storytelling traditions in different cultures around the world. These stories were passed down from generation to generation, often used to teach moral lessons or entertain listeners.

As writing became more prevalent, short stories began to be recorded on paper, which allowed for wider dissemination and preservation. Over time, the short story evolved as a distinct literary form, with its own unique characteristics and techniques.

Today, short stories continue to be an important part of literature. Many authors use them to explore themes and ideas in a condensed and impactful way.

Types of Short Stories

Within the realm of short stories, a diverse tapestry unfolds, weaving together various genres and styles that cater to different tastes and preferences.

As we venture deeper, we’ll explore distinct subcategories that breathe life into this compact yet expansive literary form.

From the intricate introspection of literary fiction to the exhilarating escapades of genre fiction, and from the lightning-speed narratives of flash fiction to the condensed worlds of microfiction, each subcategory offers a unique lens through which we can glimpse the artistry of concise storytelling.

Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the nuances and delights that reside within these distinct types of short stories.

Literary Fiction

At the heart of the short story landscape lies the realm of literary fiction, a sanctuary for exploration and introspection.

Here, the focus transcends the confines of plot, diving into the depths of human emotions, complexities, and the subtleties of existence.

Literary short stories illuminate the internal landscapes of characters, unraveling their hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities through the delicate interplay of words. Themes and symbolism take center stage, inviting readers to engage with layers of meaning that extend beyond the surface.

This subcategory beckons authors to craft narratives that leave indelible imprints on readers’ minds, prompting contemplation long after the final page is turned.

In the upcoming sections, we will delve into the hallmarks of literary fiction and the techniques that elevate it to an art form within the world of short stories.

Genre Fiction

Genre fiction encompasses a wide range of popular categories such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and fantasy. These categories offer unique benefits to readers, such as an escape from reality, the chance to explore different worlds and characters, and the opportunity to experience emotions and situations that may not be present in their everyday lives.

For example, romance novels offer readers a chance to experience the thrills and heartaches of love, while science fiction allows readers to explore the possibilities of future technology and societal structures.

Some of the most popular authors in genre fiction include Stephen King for horror, J.K. Rowling for fantasy, and Agatha Christie for mystery. These authors have been able to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers by creating compelling stories and characters that resonate with audiences.

The ability to create engaging stories is a key element of genre fiction, and it’s what draws readers in and keeps them coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling mystery or a fantastical adventure, genre fiction has something for everyone.

Flash Fiction and Microfiction

Hey there, you’ve learned about Genre Fiction and now it’s time to dive into the world of Flash Fiction and Microfiction. These are genres of short stories that have gained popularity in recent times.

Flash Fiction is a type of short story that’s usually under 1,000 words and often has a twist ending. It’s a quick read that can leave a lasting impact on the reader.

Microfiction, on the other hand, is even shorter than Flash Fiction, usually consisting of only a few sentences or a single paragraph. These stories often rely on the reader to fill in the gaps and imagine the rest of the story.

Writing prompts can be a great way to get started with these genres, as they can help spark your creativity and inspire you to explore different themes and ideas.

One of the benefits of short stories, especially Flash Fiction and Microfiction, is that they allow writers to experiment with different styles and genres without committing to a full-length novel. They also provide a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities in a concise and impactful way.

So, if you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself as a writer and explore new ideas, try your hand at writing a Flash Fiction or Microfiction story using writing prompts as a starting point.

Elements of a Well-Crafted Short Story

Crafting a short story is akin to sculpting a masterpiece within a limited canvas.

Every word must carry weight, every sentence must propel the narrative forward, and every detail must contribute to the overarching purpose.

Character development becomes a condensed art, requiring strategic choices to evoke empathy or curiosity in a short span.

Dialogue becomes a tool for characterization and conflict, while setting serves as a backdrop that heightens the story’s mood.

Most crucially, the climax, usually achieved swiftly, leaves an indelible impact, and the resolution lingers like the final note of a haunting melody.

Tips for Writing and Reading Short Stories

You’ll love discovering how to write and read short stories with these insightful tips! Short stories are a wonderful way to explore the human condition and express your creative side. Here are some tips to help you craft and enjoy short stories:

• Analyzing themes: Short stories often have a central theme or message. Take the time to analyze the story’s themes and consider how they relate to your own life and experiences.
• Exploring symbolism: Many short stories use symbolism to convey deeper meaning. Look for symbols and metaphors that add layers of complexity to the story.
• Crafting memorable characters: Good characters are the heart of any story. Focus on creating characters that feel real and relatable to your readers.
• Creating vivid settings: The setting of a story can be just as important as the characters. Use descriptive language to bring your setting to life and transport your readers to another time and place.
• Reading widely: To become a better writer, you need to read widely. Read as many short stories as you can, from different genres and time periods, to gain a better understanding of what makes a good story.

By following these tips, you can hone your skills as a short story writer and deepen your appreciation for the art of storytelling. So grab a pen and paper, and start exploring the worlds of your own creation!

In the ever-accelerating pace of modern life, the short story emerges as a literary haven—a place where brevity and depth coexist harmoniously.

A well-crafted short story has the power to transport readers to alternate dimensions, to stir emotions that linger long after the final sentence.

Whether exploring the enigmatic corridors of literary fiction or embracing the structured realms of genre fiction, these succinct tales encapsulate the artistry of language and the boundless capacity of imagination.

As the literary landscape continues to shift, the short story remains a timeless testament to the potency of concise storytelling—an enduring reminder that meaning can be woven into even the briefest of narratives.

Recommended Reading...

Why short stories are important for readers and writers alike, why do authors use short stories the advantages of this genre, why are short stories so hard to write understanding the challenges, what is a novelette exploring the short story genre.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2024 When You Write

Short Story

Short story definition.

A short story is a fully developed story that is shorter than a novel and longer than a fable . It typically takes just a single sitting for reading. Short Story focuses on the incidents bigger or smaller and evokes strong feelings from its readers. A short story often has a few characters in the plot .

Features of a Short Story

As a short story is mostly a short narrative and has few features. The standard features include exposition , complication, crisis, climax , and resolution of the crisis. However, it is not essential that all short stories follow the same pattern.

Difference between Short Story, Novella, and Novel

Writers do not agree on the exact length of a story but some say that it presents only one aspect of life and is reasonably beyond or within a 3,000 to 7,000-word count. However, a novelette is a bit longer and typically presents several aspects of the life of a character or some character such as Animal Farm by George Orwell and The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway . However, novels are divided into chapters, are longer, and are usually above 50,000 words. Some novels are in higher volumes like Charles Dicken’s A Tale of Two Cities or Judge the Obscure by Thomas Hardy .

How to Write and Plot a Short Story?

When writing a short story or creating a plot of a short story, keep these points in your mind.

• Create lifelike characters and move them fast in the story. It’s also called pace.
• Keep the number of characters quite limited, if and when possible. Ideally, they should be more than one and less than five. Especially when you are just in the learning stage.
• Create a conflict between characters or between a character and nature.
• Put a resolution or mystery by the end or In Medias Res .
• Use figurative language .

 Five (5) Major Elements of a Short Story

Although there are several elements and it could depend on the writer what to include or what not to include, these five are fundamental elements of a short story.

Examples of Short Stories from Literature

The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde

The Happy Prince is one of the best stories written in English Literature written by Oscar Wilde. The story shows how the elites of that kingdom neglect the poor. And the statue of the Happy Prince takes the help of a Swallow to help the poor of the city. One by one, the Prince starts losing his precious stones, rubies, and gold leaves when the Swallow starts plucking them to give to the poor that the Prince can see from his high pedestal. The dramatic irony of the story reaches the climax when the city mayor sees the dead bird and the ugly broken statue. When the statue is sent to a furnace, God invites the Prince and the Swallow to live in the City of Gold in heaven.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

In the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte sheds light on the difficulties faced by the narrator of the story, due to depression after childbirth. Her husband John, a physician, takes her to a countryside home for the cure and assumes that she is suffering from hysteria. He doesn’t allow her to do her favorite activities , like writing which helps her escape reality. She is also distant to her child. After a while, she is obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in her room and imagines that a woman, like her, is stuck in it and wants to come out. To help the imaginary woman, the narrator starts peeling the wallpaper. By the end of the story, John, sees her creeping around the room and faints. The story also highlights how many women are ignored by their spouses, leading them to depression.

The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” is another wonderful example of a short horror story. In the story, the anonymous narrator tells about the murder of an old man that he has committed in cold blood because he had ‘vulture eyes’. The story is told in the first-person narrative and explores the state of mind of a person. The narrator has hallucinations after the murder when he feels guilty. He convinces the readers that he is not insane. By the end of the story, he continues to hallucinate and asks what to do to make the old man’s heart stop. This is an excellent example of a short story having a few characters and a complicated theme .

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

This story is an extraordinary piece of its time. Louise Mallard, probably oppressed by her husband, is relieved when she sees the prospects of freedom after the death of her husband. She rejoices and imagines a bright future after receiving the news. However, Brently Mallard, Louise’s husband returns home. The pain of her failing dreams causes her to suffer a heart attack and death. The doctor assumes that she has died of heart failure as she couldn’t absorb the happiness at her husband’s arrival.

The Necklace by Guy De Maupassant

The Necklace is one of the best short stories. It revolves around the life of a clerk in the ministry of education and his extraordinarily beautiful wife, Mathilda. She borrows an expensive necklace from her friend for a ball but loses it when they are returning home. They, somehow, arrange to replace it after purchasing the original necklace with borrowed money and spend their lives in the struggle to pay back the loan. After several years, they met the same friend again. To their horror, she tells them that her necklace was fake.

To Build a Fire by Jack London

To Build a Fire is the story of an anonymous character who leaves home for a destination on the Yukon trail but faces heavy snow which makes him fall. He tries to kill his dog to keep himself alive, but the dog also senses his intentions. Later, he tries to make the fire but does not succeed and dies. His struggle and his wrong notion about his strength and thinking power prove fatal for him. This is one of the best short stories without the names of the characters.

Short Story Meaning and Function

A short story presents one aspect of the life of a character. It could be an incident, an event, a description of a feeling, or even a simple act. A short story can also impact a reader and even inspire them. For persons who cannot read novels, enjoy reading the short stories. Moreover, in a short story, the characters also share their innermost thoughts, their motives, their feelings, their emotions, and different notions.

Synonyms of Short Story

The nearest synonyms for the short story are narrative, novella , tale, yarn, story, and novelette.

Related posts:

• By The Short Hairs
• 200 Short and Sweet Metaphor Examples
• 15 Famous Short Free-Verse Poems
• Frame Story
• Cock And Bull Story
• 7 Classic Story Archetypes with Examples
• 12 Archetypal Characters in Story Writing
• Comic Relief
• Black Humor
• Narrative Poem
• Dramatic Monologue
• Existentialism
• In Medias Res
• Romanticism
• Feminine Rhyme
• Metaphysical
• Auditory Imagery
• Sensory Language
• Implied Metaphor
• Rhetorical Device
• Sound Devices
• Exact Rhyme
• Deuteragonist
• Equivocation
• Science Fiction
• Turning Point
• Supporting Sentence
• Urban Legend
• Antonomasia

Post navigation

What Makes A Good Short Story?

by Nancy Christie on December 14, 2017 in Fiction writing , Writing Process

First the technical aspect: what are the differences between the various types of short fiction?

Short Story Types and Word Counts

In On Writing: 10 Types of Short Stories , Effy J. Roan lists some short fiction types including some I never heard of, such as drabble (a 100-word story) and feghoot: a humorous short story ending in a pun.

But for the most part, short story writers work within these more common forms: micro-fiction, flash fiction, short-short, short and novella. Linked stories (also known as short story cycle, short story sequence, composite novel, and novel-in-stories), according to Gotham Writers , are stories that are complete in themselves but also form a larger whole.

Then there is the slice-of-life story or vignette. This type doesn’t have the traditional plot elements but is instead a snapshot of what is happening at that moment. There is emotion but no actual resolution. Think of it as watching someone between one train stop and the next. You don’t know what happened before that person got onto the train or what will happen when he or she departs. All you know is that moment in time.

As for length, here is a list of typical word counts for the various types—you’ll notice there is some overlap between categories—although some magazines may have very specific guidelines:

• Micro-fiction: 100 to 300 words
• Flash fiction: 100 to 1,000 words
• Short-short stories: 500 to 1,500 words
• Short stories: 1,000 to 8,000 words
• Novelette: 7,500 to 20,000
• Novellas: 20,000 to 50,000

So that’s the technical side of it. But what makes a good short story?

Qualities of a Good Short Story

“Short stories demand that something happens in a few pages and that we, as readers, care about what transpires.” Douglas Trevor (Click to Tweet!)

How do you do that? According to Kurt Vonnegut’s 8 Tips on How to Write a Good Short Story , by giving the reader “at least one character he or she can root for.” The reader has to want to know what’s going to happen next and who is it going to happen to—and worry about the character. Otherwise, what’s the point of reading the story?

Here are more tips from short story writers.

“A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it.” Edgar Allan Poe (Click to Tweet!)

Think of Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” or “The Tell-Tale Heart.” If Poe suddenly interjected a bit of humor or whimsy, that sense of dread that he was creating would be destroyed. Short stories don’t have the space for digressions. They have to stay on point. That doesn’t mean you can’t use flashbacks, but those flashbacks need to fit the mood of the piece.

In Short Stories And Their Structure , Karen Woodward says, “In the first couple of lines introduce your audience to the most startling interesting/puzzling/desperate thing about your main character’s immediate situation.”

In other words, get to the point. Don’t start with long, drawn-out descriptions or set-ups. And once you get the opening lines down, move on to what the problem is. What is the conflict facing the character—and who is the character anyway? What kind of person is he or she?

For instance: imagine a subway train that comes to an unexpected squealing, bone-chattering halt. The lights go out. Someone—an older man— uses the light from his cell phone for illumination. There is only one other person in the car: a young woman, obviously terrified.

What does he do next? Does he move to sit next to her and if so, with what intent? Or does he shut off the light? What he says or does will tell you everything you need to know about the type of person he is and set the stage for what will come.

Just don’t drag it out. As Junot Díaz reminds us in his introduction to Best American Short Stories , “a short story can unravel over a pair of injudicious sentences. And while novels can dawdle for chapters before sparking into brilliance, the short story needs to be about its business from its opening line.”

“Everything has to be pulling weight in a short story for it to be really of the first order.” Tobias Wolff (Click to Tweet!)

When I was revising my latest short story, “The Snow Globe,” one of the first parts I jettisoned was some backstory about the waitress. While it was necessary to let the reader know why she is alone at Christmas, I didn’t need to go into a long, drawn-out recounting of her life until the moment when she met the protagonist. With short stories, less is definitely more.

“A good short story is a story which is not too long and which gives the reader the feeling he has undergone a memorable experience.” Martha Foley (Click to Tweet!)

This is in line with what Trevor said. You don’t want readers to feel like their time was wasted. Rather, you want them to finish the story with a sigh of satisfaction. Or a feeling of realization and connection. Or a sense of joy or enlightenment or understanding.

Basically, you want them to feel something—and if you are a good short story writer, you can generate that feeling in as little as a 100 words or with as many as 8,000. The point is that it’s not about the number of words you use but the words themselves—the picture you paint with the words, the emotions you generate with the words.

To achieve this, you should have the same emotional reaction to what is happening that you want the reader to feel. Write—and feel what you are writing. Be amazed, grieving, frightened, hopeful.

React to your story and your readers will react as well.

December 15, 2017 at 2:19 pm

An excellent article, Nancy, both succinct and illustrative. Thank you!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Create a Free Lulu Account

4 Elements of Great Short Stories

Do you write and publish fiction? Or aspire to be a fiction writer? If so, short stories are a great way to grow your writing catalog. Thanks to easy online publishing, short fiction is also a great way to keep your audience engaged between major releases. 

But writing short stories is no simple task. Short stories tax your writing skills to achieve a lot in only a few words. Breaking down short fiction, there are four story elements necessary to write compelling short stories.

What Makes a Good Short Story?

The four elements necessary for your story structure are character, plot, setting, and tension . Balancing these elements is the first step to making your creative writing amazing. 

The best short story writers think about these key elements for every story idea and work to incorporate each element in all of their fiction writing.

What Are The Four Elements Of A Short Story?

Why short stories are worth writing.

Writers may not go through the process of shopping short stories around to literary magazines as they did in the past (though you definitely can !). However, short stories can still be valuable kinds of content for anyone writing and selling fiction.

Today, it’s easy to publish yourself on your own website. If you’re publishing your own work and selling directly to your fans, short stories are great fodder for email or social media marketing efforts. 

Sell Your Book, Your Way

Sell books on your Wix (NEW!), Shopify, or WooCommerce website with Lulu Direct. Or use our Order Import tool for your next book launch

Turnig your short story ideas into published content is a great way to retain your reader’s attention and keep fresh content on your site. Serializing a story or set of characters is a proven way to drive readers to become fans —people who can’t wait for the next story you publish to be available. 

Did your story about Pandas having an adventure in space resonate with your fans? Maybe there’s another story there. Or even a full-length novel you can sell to your audience. Or maybe you need to commission some prints or t-shirt art of those wily space Pandas for your fans to buy!  

So what makes those stories stand out for readers? Back to the four important elements I mentioned earlier.

Kurt Vonnegut said that your short story should have “at least one character [your reader] can root for.” He also said, “Every character should want something.” 

Among the plethora of writing advice Vonnegut has to offer, these two points about character are among my favorites. 

First comes crafting a character who wants something. This is the most basic part of character development—they aren’t caricatures, your characters are “real” and they have wants, needs, and desires. 

The more you can imagine your character’s life, the better you’ll be able to write about them. Your short fiction should focus on only a few characters, trying to get to the heart of what your protagonist wants. 

Here are two simple exercises you can use to better understand your characters: 

• Define their point of view – are they conflicted? Do they suffer from experiences that color their perspective? 
• Draw their character arc – literally draw an arc and define where they started, things that happen to them, and where they end up.

The better you know your character, the easier it will be to craft a story your readers will love. Readers want characters who grow, change, and redeem themselves. 

You Might Also Like:

• Short Fiction: Writing To Grow
• How To Get Started Writing
• 7 Tips For Character Development In Short Stories

Consider Flannery O’Connor’s classic, A Good Man is Hard to Find . The Grandmother is a nuisance to her family and ultimately leads them all to a terrible end. Yet it is hard not to root for her as the story unfolds. 

Maybe it’s because we know what she wants, but we can’t discount O’Connor’s masterful storytelling. She’s crafted a character with a clear point of view who we can follow despite misgivings about the Grandmother’s intentions.

The presence of a character the reader wants to see succeed drives the story forward and gives that character depth and humanity.

Your short story’s plot needs to be tight and focused. 

The plot is “the sequence of events inside a story which affect other events through the principle of cause and effect.” What I like about this definition of plot is that it doesn’t demand that you create a plot; rather it simply must be acknowledged.

Your story’s plot describes the events rather than defining them; you’re not writing down events, dialog, or flowery descriptions in a vacuum. Everything you write for your story feeds into the other elements, coming out the other side with a story. 

The plot is a byproduct of good storytelling. 

That doesn’t mean you can ignore the plot. For a short story, you can think about the plot a little less than you would for a novel. Let your characters drive the story, and let the plot evolve naturally.

Because your story will be short , your plot will be narrow. Not many things can happen in a short story. That’s why it’s better to focus on the characters and events that impact them—the details of what happens are often less important.

The setting is my favorite part of short fiction. Unlike a longer piece, you won’t be visiting many locations in your story. The settings you do visit really need to shine.

The setting gives your story texture and depth, making the place and time real for the reader through carefully shared details. You have the opportunity to play with form in the setting by creating a sense of place in a variety of interesting ways.

Take, for example, The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest Hemingway. In this story, Hemingway establishes the setting without specifying exactly where we are. By placing a premium on shade, and mentioning the “dirty boots” and “baked red” of Macomber’s face, we get a picture of a rustic, hot location. 

Hemingway puts us on the African plains without telling us that’s where we are; rather he paints a picture that reminds us, whether we’ve been to Africa or not, of what that place should be like.

This masterful use of setting also establishes the tone of the story. Beyond simply telling us where the action of the story is happening, the setting reveals the moods and emotions of the characters.

In my experience reading and creating short fiction, the setting is the most often underutilized element. Don’t miss an opportunity to add important texture to the story with a vibrant setting.

Tension is often referred to as conflict , but essentially what it means is the element of your short story that drives the action . What makes the protagonist do what they do? What forces the actions that lead to the events of the story?

Conflict isn’t the best way to think about the driving action though, as conflict demands there be some confrontation or altercation. Tension is more accurate because there need not be any resolution or winner in the story.

Tension refers to any elements that raise our concerns, that make us wonder what will happen next and how our protagonist will react to those events. Tension can be dangerous, but can also be sad or heartwarming, or even frustrating. The tension will propel the story.

For many short story authors, tension will spark the story and drive the action. 

Create Your Book

Use Lulu’s free templates to easily create and publish your book today.

From Elements To Complete Story

Writing any kind of fiction will use these four elements— character , plot , setting , and tension . They aren’t unique to short story writing. However, the constraint on word count will force you to be conscious of how you use these elements.

Finally, remember to keep your audience in mind. Short stories are a great way to grab your reader’s attention, so try to give them a story you know they want. That might mean exploring secondary characters from your novels or delving into a world you’ve already created. 

As a fiction writer, you’re selling entertainment to your fans. Focus on the four elements I outlined here and keep your short stories entertaining; the readers will flock for more.

Paul is the Senior Content Manager at Lulu.com . When he’s not entrenched in the publishing and print-on-demand world, he likes to hike the scenic North Carolina landscape, read, sample the fanciest micro-brewed beer, and collect fountain pens. Paul is a dog person but considers himself cat-tolerant.

Easy and simple to read, helpful for people in school that need a quick understanding of a subject.

This was really helpful. I am writing a short story for an OLLI class in CT. and was looking for really practical advice on character development and plot. I loved the advice to “draw an arc” of the character. Seems to me that will help me move the main two characters along their own and each other’s paths.

Good techniques to write an interesting short story, would try’n write one for helloween. Thanks for your insightful tips Lulu.

Good advice! Hewever, you have confused two similar-sounding words with very different meanings: illusion and allusion. When you refer to Kurt Vonnegut, you allude to him. That’s an allusion to a writer familiar to many. If I mention a well-known character like Bugs Bunny, it reminds you of a beloved cartoon character. An allusion is a reminder. But an illusion is like a mirage, something that looks like a pool of water in the distance, but that”s really not. It’s just heat shimmering in the air, like an optical illusion. English is chock full of confusing word pairs like this!

Hi Deni, Right you are! Good catch.

Good advice all the way around. Good for novel writing, too.

Keep Reading

English Studies

This website is dedicated to English Literature, Literary Criticism, Literary Theory, English Language and its teaching and learning.

Short Story: A Literary Genre

The short story, a concise narrative form within the literary canon, is characterized by brevity and focus, typically encapsulating a single theme, conflict, or character development in a limited word count.

Short Story: Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Table of Contents

The short story as a genre epitomizes a dynamic interplay between literal and conceptual meanings, presenting a concise yet potent narrative form that beckons readers to explore beyond its surface. On a literal level, short stories encapsulate succinct plots, well-defined characters, and often a singular theme or conflict within a confined word count. This brevity, however, acts as a canvas for the conceptual dimensions to unfold. Short stories frequently operate as allegories or metaphors, encapsulating broader societal, psychological, or existential truths within their narrative confines. This dual nature of literal brevity and conceptual depth allows short stories to resonate with readers on both immediate and profound levels, challenging them to unravel layers of meaning and prompting contemplation long after the final words have been read.

Short Story: Definition as a Literary Genre

The short story, a concise narrative form within the literary canon, is characterized by brevity and focus, typically encapsulating a single theme , conflict , or character development in a limited word count. It serves as a literary microcosm, offering a snapshot of human experience that demands precision in storytelling.

Defined by its compact structure, the short story demands economy of language while often inviting readers to engage with nuanced layers of meaning and interpretation.

Short Story: Types

This table aims to encompass a wide range of short story types, but the categorization can be fluid as some stories may exhibit characteristics of multiple genres.

Short Story in Literature: Key Features

• Brevity: Short stories are concise narratives that focus on a single theme, incident, or character. They aim to deliver a complete narrative experience within a limited word count.
• Central Theme: Short stories often revolve around a central theme or idea, providing a focused exploration of specific emotions, conflicts, or concepts.
• Character Development: Despite their brevity, short stories can feature well-developed characters that undergo significant changes or face challenges, contributing to the narrative’s depth.
• Economy of Language: Short stories demand precision in language use. Every word serves a purpose, contributing to the overall impact of the narrative.
• Limited Setting: Due to their compact nature, short stories often have a limited setting, focusing on specific locations or environments essential to the plot.
• Crisis or Turning Point: Short stories frequently include a critical moment, often referred to as the climax, where the narrative takes a decisive turn, leading to resolution or a change in the characters’ circumstances.
• Narrative Structure : While there is flexibility, short stories typically follow a traditional narrative structure with an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Emphasis on Imagery: Short stories often rely on vivid imagery to convey emotions, settings, and characters in a condensed format, engaging the reader’s senses.
• Open or Closed Endings: Short stories can conclude with either open or closed endings, leaving room for interpretation or providing a definitive resolution to the narrative.
• Exploration of Human Experience: Whether through realistic portrayals or fantastical elements, short stories aim to capture facets of the human experience, offering insights, reflections, or commentary on life.

These features collectively contribute to the unique appeal and impact of short stories within the broader landscape of literature.

Short Story in World Literature: Best Examples

• Features: A complex narrative that blends elements of fantasy, philosophy, and detective fiction, exploring the idea of infinite possibilities.
• Features: A satirical and absurd tale where a man wakes up to find his nose missing, delving into themes of identity and societal absurdity.
• Features: Blurring the lines between journalism and fiction, Marquez narrates the events leading to a man’s predestined death in a small Colombian town.
• Features: A poignant exploration of family dynamics and loss, told through the eyes of a young girl whose father works at a lighthouse.
• Features: A contemporary Japanese story blending romance and coming-of-age elements, capturing the essence of grief, love, and personal growth.

Short Story in British Literature: Best Examples

• Features: A classic ghost story that blends the supernatural with Dickens’s social commentary, exploring themes of isolation and fate.
• Features: A poignant exploration of the destructive nature of materialism and the impact of familial expectations on a young boy.
• Features: The final story in Joyce’s “Dubliners,” offering a rich portrayal of Irish society and delving into themes of love, death, and self-discovery.
• Features: While Jackson is American, “The Lottery” had a significant impact on British literature. It’s a chilling exploration of blind conformity and the darker aspects of tradition.
• Features: A darkly humorous and suspenseful tale that showcases Dahl’s skill in blending the macabre with wit, as a young man discovers the unsettling secrets of his landlady.

Short Story in American Literature: Best Examples

• Features: A Gothic masterpiece that explores the psychological deterioration of an unnamed narrator who becomes obsessed with the “vulture eye” of an old man.
• Features: A chilling portrayal of a small town’s ritualistic stoning, revealing the dangers of blind conformity and the darker aspects of tradition.
• Features: A Southern Gothic tale that combines dark humor with profound moral questions, as a family’s road trip takes an unexpected and tragic turn.
• Features: A story that blends adventure with introspection, exploring themes of regret, death, and the impact of a writer’s choices on his life.
• Features: A humorous exploration of the effects of sudden wealth on a working-class family, reflecting Chekhov’s keen understanding of human nature.

Short Story in Literature Translation: Best Examples

• Features: A poignant reflection on language, culture, and loss set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War, emphasizing the importance of education.
• Features: A thought-provoking exploration of the nature of life, morality, and the pursuit of knowledge, showcasing Chekhov’s mastery of the short story form.
• Features: A mind-bending narrative that blends elements of fantasy, philosophy, and detective fiction, challenging conventional notions of time and reality.
• Features: A classic novella that captures the indomitable spirit of an aging Cuban fisherman, exploring themes of resilience, endurance, and the eternal struggle between man and nature.
• Features: A collection of short stories that delves into Murakami’s surreal and existential themes, often blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination.

Short Story in Literature: Relevant Terms

Short story in literature: suggested readings.

• Chekhov, Anton. The Essential Tales of Chekhov. Edited by Richard Ford, Ecco, 1999.
• O’Connor, Flannery. A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories. Harcourt, 1955.
• Borges, Jorge Luis. Collected Fictions . Translated by Andrew Hurley, Viking Penguin, 1998.
• Joyce, James. Dubliners. Oxford University Press, 1996.
• Murakami, Haruki. Men Without Women . Translated by Philip Gabriel and Ted Goossen, Knopf, 2017.

Anthologies:

• The Oxford Book of American Short Stories. Edited by Joyce Carol Oates, Oxford University Press, 2012.
• The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories . Edited by Tobias Wolff, Vintage, 1994.
• The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction. Edited by R.V. Cassill and Richard Bausch, W. W. Norton & Company, 1981.
• The Art of the Short Story . Edited by Dana Gioia and R. S. Gwynn, Pearson, 2005.

Theoretical Works:

• Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Philosophy of Composition.” The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe , edited by James A. Harrison, T. Y. Crowell & Co., 1902, pp. 356-370.
• Culler, Jonathan. The Pursuit of Signs: Semiotics, Literature, Deconstruction. Cornell University Press, 1981.

Related posts:

• Prolepsis: A Literary Device
• Theatrical Devices in Plays/Dramas

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

BEAR HILL BOOKS

Indie publishing           writing tips            indie online bookstore, indie bookstore       |     the writer's cabin blog       |        bhp publishing.

• Jun 11, 2023

What Makes a Good Short Story? 5 Best Traits of a Great Story + Bonus Tip

Updated: Jul 30, 2023

Originally posted on FFF (now part of BHP)

What Makes a Good Short Story?

I have been obsessed with short stories lately. This is mostly because I needed to read so many when publishing The Beginning & End of All Things . By the way, there are some pretty great stories in that anthology, if I do say so myself. Including the one I wrote under my pen name Turi T. Armstrong called "Todd."

….where was I?

Short stories are like wild animals, and novels are house pets.

House pets have lots of variation, but they are still almost always recognizable as house pets. Sure they all have their unique personalities, but they are mostly safe. That's why they make good house pets.

Now, wild animals are entirely different. The variation between them is seemingly endless. Sometimes researchers even stumble on new ones that are so beyond anything we have seen before that they appear as aliens. They can be incredibly dangerous, and even the docile ones might infect you with some strange disease if you touch them!

That is short stories.

It is a format that allows writers to experiment, stretch the bounds of their imaginations, and push the limits of their technical skills.

So in this post, I want to outline what makes a good short story.

A good short story has has perfected these 5 elements:

Has a strong theme

A whole plot with a beginning, middle, and end.

Everything leads up to and revolves around the payout at the climax.

It is a story about some aspect of the human condition at its core.

It is fresh and unique.

So let's go over the 5 necessary elements of a great short story (plus one bonus tip at the end).

A Good Short Story Has a Strong Theme

I don't think themes are fairly discussed in many writing circles. Don't get me wrong, it is talked about a lot , and I don't think the advice given to authors 9/10 times is terrible. Quite the opposite, actually.

I do think that it can get overly complicated, though.

It's simple.

Your theme is the general or specific idea that you are exploring through your story. Then, everything that happens in that story should be able to tie back into that idea.

How you choose to do that is entirely up to you and will depend on the idea you've chosen and the story you are writing. Everyone will do it differently, and that is the best thing about what we do!

Are there techniques you can learn help to really nail the theme? Yes. But I don't think you need to do those things to write a strong-themed story either.

Maybe one day I will go into themes a bit more, but today is not that day.

In full-length novels, you can get away with a wishy-washy theme (though solid is usually better). However, in short stories, you HAVE to be succinct. Everything you write, every word, every idea, needs to be on point. There is no room for ambiguity.

A strong theme will tie the threads of your story together. Imagine your words and ideas are water; your theme is the vessel you use to keep it all contained. Without a strong one, you risk your thoughts spilling out, i.e., out of your reader's heads and into the never to be remembered list of stories.

A great short-story has a strong enough theme to be memorable.

A Good Short Story Has a Whole Plot

Author Robert Barr noted why most authors will be forgotten and some will not. He says his model is Euclid because he:

...lays down his plot, sets instantly to work at its development, letting no incident creep in that does not bear relation to the climax, using no unnecessary word, always keeping his one end in view, and the moment he reaches the culmination, he stops.

That is the best description of the perfect short story plot that I know of. But it must be whole.

I talk more about what an incomplete plot is in Why are My Short Stories Being Rejected? 10 Reasons. But your short story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. It needs to be complete. Just as your novel would, it should have a character arc, too, in some shape or form. It doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it shouldn't be.

You can use a regular three-act structure; any structure that works for a full-length novel will work just as well for a short story.

The third story in The Beginning & End of All Things , "Valhalla Interrupted" by Matthew Stuart Evans, is perhaps my favorite in the whole anthology. There are many reasons to love it, but one of those is that it is impeccably plotted. From the introduction that lures the reader in and creates mystery to the protagonist's character arc that weaves through and mirrors the main plot.

It's brilliant. I knew I was going to accept it after the first paragraph.

No matter what form of plotting you choose for your short story, for it to elevate your work from good to great, it must at least afford these things:

It must be simple. A complex story is better suited for a novel. Keep it simple. Choose one idea and do that one idea justice.

It must be plausible. There is a saying in fiction (I'm sorry, I don't remember who said it first—I just know it was a long time ago):

If fishes are made to talk, they should talk like fishes, not like whales.

I don't care if you are writing the POV of a beetle in a made-up wonderland of only color. The story still needs to have some logic, be understandable, and be based on some idea of truth or recognizable lived experience. (more on this below).

Even liars know that if they are to be believed, their lies need to be plausible.

A great short story has a concrete and determined plot.

A Good Short Story Is All About the Climax

Boys, you know you better….watch out! Short-stories, short stories are only...about. That thing, that thing, that thiieeiing.

...if you only knew how embarrassingly I just belted that….

Sometimes I make me sad.

But it's true. The short story must revolve around the climax. All elements must lead inevitably to that one place, and as soon as they get there, it's done. Finito.

I am continually spouting that if something veers away from the story's plot, it needs to be cut. But in no place is this more true than in the short story.

EVERYTHING.

Every word, every sentence, every description, every ounce of dialogue needs to be working toward that climax. There is no room for flowery exposition for the sake of itself. There is no room for subplots or digressions. Nothing can detract from that journey and the final destination (that hopefully comes with a bang.)

Your climax should be unexpected but still inevitable. Meaning—it should surprise your reader, but once they are there, it should be the only place they can imagine being after all the pieces are laid out before them.

If you want to know how to do this with precision, read mystery.

There is a lot of great mystery out there, so I will not give you any specific recommendations. If a mystery writer is to be successful, they need to have this one thing down. When revealed, the killer should be unexpected, but when looking back at all the clues given throughout the book, the reader should be able to say, "AAH! Of course! How did I not see that?"

Bad mystery is undeniable and doesn't do so well. They often reveal killers that come out of nowhere that could never have been guessed at because the author went to lengths to deceive that reader and muddy the waters.

The reveal was not inevitable because the author left out essential pieces, usually on purpose.

A great short story has a banger of a climax that results from a natural progression of events.

A Good Short Story is, at its core, about some aspect of the human condition

Even if you're writing the story about the beetle, it should still center around something human. Your reader is human, you, I imagine, are human, and almost everything of interest is about human emotion or human consequences.

Take Orwell's Animal Farm . It will always be remembered, not because it is a cute story about animals, but because it is an allegory about the human condition and the awful things we do to each other, even if our intentions are sometimes good. And communism.

I said something important just now, though.

Not communism, but interest .

To create interest—to keep your reader interested, hopefully for decades to come, you need to base your story on something that matters to them. And just as importantly, it has to matter to you.

J. Berg Esenwein, writer of many classic books on writing and analyzing short stories, said this better than I ever can, so I will quote him:

Make up your mind that human interest cannot be "faked." Don't try to write about that which does not lay hold of your own soul mightily. Get close to the pulsating life about you, know it, feel it, believe in it, sympathize with it, do something for it, live it, and as it pours through the channels of your own being it will qualify you to picture that life for others interestedly and interestingly….The great forces which compel men's interest in real-life—sacrifice, courage, genuineness, devotion, love, and all the rest—will grip your readers with convincing power. First transmute life into fiction, then fiction will awake to life.

— Writing the Short Story , 1912

A great short story touches on something real about the human experience that readers can relate to.

A Good Short Story is a Breath of Fresh Air

It must be original. This goes without explanation, I think.

There are tropes, and there are basic genre expectations, and there is room for both these things in novels, but not the short story. You cannot rely on cliche in the short story. Your reader will not accept it.

The short story reader usually holds you to a much higher standard.

Though let's face it, originality is always a good thing. Even if you choose to use tropes, there are original ways of turning them on their heads.

A great short story is something that your reader has never seen before.

We published another short story collection, this one horror: Human Beings written by Welsh author Rachael Llewellyn. It includes some of the most expertly written short stories I have ever read (that's why we published it, der.)

Llewellyn wrote stories you have never seen before, for sure. Reading it after it had been submitted to BHP was a much needed breath of fresh air. The kind of manuscript where the editor sighs and says, "Finally."

Bonus Tip: A Good Short Story is the Perfect Length

What is the perfect length of a short story, you ask?

Some might say under 7,500 words because that is what most magazines and contests are looking for. Some might say as short as possible—3000 words.

But deciding on any single word count is dumb (for any kind of story).

The perfect length of a short story is exactly how long it needs to be to be good.

A great short story does not waste a single word, and it is the exact length it needs to be to say what it has to say and not a word more.

It's an easy lesson, but I am teaching it a lot because I am continuously asked.

We MUST stop this obsession with word counts and instead switch to an obsession with precision. I don't want any writer ever again worrying about their word counts unless to say, "Wow, I wrote 2000 words today! Good for me."

I don't care if the agent you are trying to woo is the strictest keeper of the sacred word count on the planet. I don't know one editor, agent, or publisher who will pass up a really great story because of word count.

If your story is long because it is filled with digressions and poor writing, that is a different matter. They might tell you, "oh, we rejected it because it is too long." But what they are really saying is, "This could be cut down to be better. It is too long for the story you are trying to tell."

So please, for the love of each god in your pantheon, throw word counts out the window and instead focus on precision .

A great short story is as long as it needs to be and not a word longer.

If you enjoyed this one comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts. And as always, keep writing.

• Writing Tips
• The Writer's Cabin

Related Posts

The Pros and Cons of Following Fiction Writing Rules: A Writer's Dilemma

Dumping the Info Dump: How to Craft Engaging Fiction that Doesn't Turn Off Readers

Why Are My Short Stories Being Rejected? Top 10 Reasons You're Not Getting Published

DISCLAIMER:   This page may contain paid links to our affiliate partners. We make a small commission off sales from these links at not cost to you.

Please go to our Privacy Policy to learn more.

: RECENT POSTS

Social Commentary in Literature: The One Thing All Great Science Fiction Writers Know

The Joe Abercrombie Writing Style: 3 Key Tips for Writing a Fantasy Novel With Masterful Prose

GROWTH FOR WRITERS

Writing tips, editing tips, learn to write by genre:, science fiction, thriller & suspense, historical fiction, action & adventure.

The Beginning & End of All Things: Stories of Man

The Artist 9oz Glass Candle

Hey there! If this article has been of value, please consider supporting us by Mash -ing the "Boost" button to give us a tip with Bitcoin! No lightning wallet? You can also support us through Paypal. We think knowledge should be as accessible as possible, so your donation helps keep our content free and growing.

Short Story | Definition, Examples, Elements, Characteristics, Writers

Short Story

Table of Contents

Short Story Definition

We know well that a short story is “a work of fiction that is usually written in prose, often in narrative format. A short story usually deals with a few characters and often concentrates on the creation of the mood rather than the plot”.

It is a fictional work with a thematic focus which depicts the character’s conflicts. Normally, the shortest stories may be no more than a page or two in length. But there are longest ones also such as D. H. Lawrence’s St Mawr which runs to over several pages. Literature has varieties and short story is one of the types of literature. In broader sense of the term, it is a story which is short. It is a form or a genre having its own. According to H. E. Bates , short story can be anything that the author describes it to be.

Characteristics of Short Story

Short stories tend to be less complex than novels. Usually, a short story will focus on only one incident, has a single plot, a single setting, a limited number of characters, and covers a short period of time. In longer forms of fiction, stories tend to contain certain core elements of dramatic structure: exposition (the introduction of setting, situation and main characters); complication or turning point (the event of the story that introduces the conflict); rising action, crisis (the decisive moment for the protagonist and their commitment to a course of action); climax (the point of highest interest in terms of the conflict and the point of the story with the most action); resolution or dénouement (the point of the story when the conflict is resolved); and moral.

We can graphically present this as:

Elements of Short Story

A story may be true or false as it has no connection with real life. In writing the stories, the first essential is that something shall happen. There is no story without a succession of incidents of some kind. So the first element is incident. A story may be written without any interest other than that of incident, but a story dealing with men will not have much interest for thoughtful readers unless it also includes some showing of character. It is a fact that the lives of all men and women are more or less conditioned by their surroundings and circumstance so each story requires more or less description. Incidents are of but little moment, character showing may have but slight interest, description is purposeless, unless the happenings of the story develop in the characters feelings towards which we assume some attitude of sympathy or opposition. If we include the fourth element of the story, we shall then have incident, description, character, mood, as the first elements of the narrative form.

The elements normally comprise of setting with time and place, conflict, subject, themes, and characters. However, there are five major elements of short story which are discussed below:

SETTINGS WITH TIME AND PLACE

The setting is the time and physical space where the characters are placed and the story happens. Short stories take place in any setting the author makes. It can be imaginary fantasy worlds or outer space or any modern day cities. The descriptions of the story build a strong sense of the weather season, social setting and atmosphere. For example: the stories and novels of R. K. Narayan make us more and more aware of the surroundings of Malgudi and South India of that time.

The readers follow the main character or protagonist who is in a conflict with another character. The conflict can also be internal with some hostile spiritual or psychological force. Conflict is the point of tension within the story. It can be between different characters (interpersonal conflict), between characters and the environment (external conflict) and can be present as the conflict within the characters themselves inner conflict). Some stories include philosophical conflict, where characters may be taken to symbolize different ideologies or values, such as materialism versus spirituality. The most memorable stories offer conflict on a variety of levels.

Few persons often mistake the subject of a story for its theme. The common subjects for modern short fiction normally include class, ethnic status, race, gender, and social issues like poverty, violence, divorce, and drugs.

The theme is the element of a short story that gives a higher meaning to the conflict and events between characters. The diverse subjects facilitate the writer to write about the larger theme which is the center of the fictional work. The individual in conflict with society’s institutions, spiritual struggles, and morality may be included in the theme.

For example: alienation, human isolation, the conflict of generations, anxiety, love and hate relationship; male-female relationships: self-delusion and self-discovery: beginning from innocence to experience; illusion and reality: the relationship between life and art are some of the main themes of 20th-century short stories . Nearly all major fiction writers like Edgar Allan Poe , Guy de Maupassant, Anton Chekov or O Henry have these themes in their stories.

Characters are the people, animals, and sometimes spirits machines or robots. Actually the characters make the world of the short story. Authors can include a range of different characters in the text. The story itself revolves around one character which is known as the protagonist. The main person who provides conflict or opposition to this main character is called the antagonist. We come to know about the nature and behavior of characters through their actions, voice, and appearance and through the reaction of other characters to them. In a short story, one may find a range of characters. There are stereotypes which are familiar such as the lonely housewife of the aggressive businessman. There may also be archetypal characters just as the rebel, the alter ego, the scapegoat, and some who are engaged in some kind of search.

Best Short Story Writers

Gabriel García Márquez,  Roald Dahl, Jack London,  Arthur Conan Doyle, Guy de Maupassant,  Franz Kafka, Flannery O’Connor, Raymond Carver, O. Henry, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hans Christian Andersen, H. P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, H. G. Wells, Vladimir Nabokov, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Agatha Christie, Washington Irving, Charles Bukowski, Alice Munro, Haruki Murakami, Joseph Conrad, Mikhail Bulgakov, Katherine Mansfield and Rabindranath Tagore etc. are among the world class short story writers .

• List of All Rabindranath Tagore Stories [PDF]

Charles Dickens , Leo Tolstoy, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, William Trevor, Hermann Hesse, Vladimir Nabokov, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Nathaniel Hawthorne, Virginia Woolf, Rudyard Kipling, William Faulkner, E Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, Franz Kafka, P. G. Wodehouse, J.D. Salinger, H. P. Lovecraft, D. H. Lawrence, Ernest Hemingway and Stephen King are highly accomplished writers of both short stories and novels.

Examples of World Famous Short Stories

• A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
• An Astrologer’s Day – R. K. Narayan
• The Diamond Necklace – Guy de Mauppasant
• The First Miracle – Jeffrey Archer
• The Selfish Giant- Oscar Wilde
• The Happy Prince-  Oscar Wilde
• Rikki-Tikki-Tavi – Rudyard Kipling
• A Pair of Mustachios – Mulk Raj Anand
• About Love – Anton Chekov
• Karma- Khushwant Singh
• Three Questions – Leo Tolstoy
• Return to Paradise – Anton Chekov
• Gift of the Magi – O. Henry
• The Luncheon – Somerset Maugham
• The Tell-Tale Heart – Edgar Allan Poe
• The Diamond as Big as the Ritz – Scott Fitzgerald
• The Rajah’s Emerald – Agatha Christie
• The Thousand-And-Second Tale of Scheherazade – Edgar Allan Poe
• The Home-Coming – Rabindrnath Tagore
• A Silver Dish – Saul Bellow
• A Burlesque Biography – Mark Twain
• The End of the Party – Graham Greene
• Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – R. L. Stevenson
• The Yellow Wallpaper – Charlotte Perkin Gilman
• The Lottery- Shirley Jackson
• Araby – James Joyce
• The Eyes Have It- Ruskin Bond
• The Kabuliwala- Rabindranath Tagore
• The Nightingale and the Rose – Oscar Wilde
• The Story of an Hour – Kate Chopin

Hello, Viewers! Besides being the Founder and Owner of this website, I am a Government Officer. As a hardcore literary lover, I am pursuing my dream by writing notes and articles related to Literature. Drop me a line anytime, whether it’s about any queries or demands or just to share your well-being. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!

Related posts:

• Science Fiction | Definition, Elements, Books, Movies, Authors, Essay
• Space Fiction | Definition, Examples, Characteristics, Authors, Movie, TV Series
• Poetic Drama | Definition, History, Characteristics, Examples in Literature
• Problem Play | Definition, Elements, Examples in Literature
• Drama of Ideas | Definition, Characteristics, Examples in Literature

2 thoughts on “Short Story | Definition, Examples, Elements, Characteristics, Writers”

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What Is a Short Story? Definition & 30+ Examples

Picture yourself getting lost in the pages of an intricately woven tale, a narrative that transports you to the depths of human emotions, to the complexities of life’s many shades, all within the span of a few precious moments.

Welcome to the world of short stories , a literary form that has the power to captivate, inspire, and provoke thought, delivering a powerful impact in just a few pages.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the fascinating realm of short stories, exploring their definition, tracing their roots, and showcasing some of the most exquisite examples that have left indelible marks on the literary landscape.

Prepare to embark on a whirlwind journey through storytelling at its finest, where brevity and brilliance work together, leaving you yearning for more.

Table of Contents

Definition of Short Story

A short story is a brief work of fiction that typically focuses on a single character or a small group of characters, exploring a particular theme or concept. Unlike a novel , which can span hundreds or even thousands of pages, a short story usually has a limited number of words, making it more concise and often easier to read and understand.

Due to their brevity, short stories demand the efficient use of language, allowing the writer to develop a compact narrative while still engaging the reader’s imagination. The length of a short story can vary, but generally, it ranges from a thousand to around twenty thousand words.

This concise format allows writers to explore ideas and characters in a more focused manner, often highlighting a single aspect or situation.

Evolution of Short Stories

Early forms and origins.

The short story, as a literary form, has its roots in ancient cultures, with examples found in mythology , folklore , and religious texts . Oral storytelling traditions played a crucial role in preserving these tales for generations. Many historical narratives and fables were eventually written down, such as Aesop’s Fables , which date back to the 5th century BCE.

During the Middle Ages, collections of short stories became more prevalent, often reflecting the values and cultural attitudes of the time. For instance, “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer, published in the 14th century, is a compilation of various stories told by characters on a pilgrimage.

19th Century Developments

Short stories gained significant popularity and recognition in the 19th century. Writers like Edgar Allan Poe , Nathaniel Hawthorne , and Guy de Maupassant contributed significantly to the development of the genre, exploring themes such as psychological horror and morality. Poe, in particular, is often credited with defining the conventions of the modern short story.

In this period, the structure of short stories evolved to include clear beginnings , middles , and ends , with a strong emphasis on character development, plot, and atmosphere. Magazines and literary journals played a pivotal role in disseminating these stories to broader audiences, thus encouraging more writers to experiment with the form.

Modern and Contemporary Short Stories

During the 20th and 21st centuries, the short story genre continued to evolve, with influential writers like Ernest Hemingway , Flannery O’Connor , and Raymond Carver redefining the form’s boundaries. Modern and contemporary short stories often focus on the subtleties of human relationships and everyday life experiences, sometimes taking on a minimalist approach.

Today’s short stories utilize various narrative styles, including first-person, third-person, and stream-of-consciousness. Furthermore, they can be found in numerous sub-genres, including science fiction , fantasy , horror , and literary fiction .

With the advent of digital media, short stories have continued to thrive in online literary magazines, anthologies, and on various websites, reaching new audiences and inspiring a new generation of writers.

Short Story vs. Novel

When comparing a short story and a novel, several key differences can be identified. In terms of length, a short story is typically much shorter, spanning from a single page to around 20 pages.

On the other hand, a novel can range from 80 to over 1,000 pages. This difference in length leads to other disparities in structure, focus, and storytelling techniques.

Due to their brief nature, short stories often provide a snapshot of a character’s life or a singular event, focusing on a specific theme or emotion. They usually have a limited number of characters and settings, as their confined space does not allow for sprawling plots or extensive world-building.

The narrative of a short story often revolves around a central conflict or resolution, cutting straight to the core issue.

Novels , on the other hand, offer much more room for exploration and development. With a larger canvas, novelists can delve into multiple storylines, characters, and subplots, immersing readers in the intricate worlds they create.

Novels often have more complex structures, with chapters and sections devoted to different narrative threads or character perspectives. The length of a novel allows for greater character development as readers follow the protagonists on their journeys, witnessing their growth and change across the narrative arc.

Purpose of Short Story

Short stories provide compact, concise narratives that can be read in a single sitting.

Short stories serve a variety of purposes, both for writers and readers. One primary purpose is to provide compact, concise narratives that can be read in a single sitting. This brevity allows authors to explore a focused theme or idea while keeping the story simple and engaging.

Short Stories Offer an Accessible Entry Point for Readers

Additionally, short stories offer an accessible entry point for readers who may find longer works of fiction intimidating or time-consuming. The shorter format allows readers to quickly sample an author’s work, potentially leading to an interest in their longer works.

Furthermore, it provides a medium for authors to experiment with new ideas or writing styles before committing to a full-length novel.

Short Stories Serve as A Tool for Teaching Literary Techniques

As they typically have a clear narrative structure encompassing the beginning, middle, and end. This makes them ideal for demonstrating the elements of storytelling, such as characterization , setting , and theme .

In educational settings, short stories can be used for analyzing style or understanding the craft of storytelling.

Short Stories Provide a Platform for Diverse Voices and Viewpoints

Authors from various cultural, social, and economic backgrounds can express their perspectives through short fiction, introducing readers to different experiences and shared human emotions.

The Function of Short Story

Short stories provide an engaging and accessible form of entertainment.

A short story serves several key functions in the world of literature. One of the primary functions is to provide an engaging and accessible form of entertainment for readers. With its limited length, a short story is able to captivate readers with a concise and focused narrative, allowing them to immerse themselves in the plot and characters without being overwhelmed.

Short Stories Allow Authors to Experiment with Different Writing Styles and Techniques

The brevity of these stories often encourages writers to explore new perspectives, narrative structures, and genres that they might not ordinarily attempt in longer works. This freedom to experiment can lead to innovative and impactful storytelling.

Short Stories Serve as Valuable Educational Tools

The manageable length of these narratives makes them an attractive choice for teaching literary concepts and analysis. Instructors can easily incorporate a wide range of stories into their curriculum, exposing students to diverse voices, themes, and styles.

These texts often encourage discussions on character development, plot structure, themes, and other critical analytical concepts essential to literary understanding.

Short Stories Convey Important Social Messages and Commentary

Furthermore, short stories can be a powerful method of conveying important social messages and commentary. Many authors use the format to communicate thought-provoking ideas and insights about the human experience, reflecting societal norms and values or questioning the status quo.

By doing so, these stories often spark conversation and act as a catalyst for change.

Characteristics of A Short Story

Short stories are a versatile and widely appreciated form of literature known for their ability to convey meaningful messages in a compact and efficient manner.

Length and Brevity

A short story is typically much shorter than a novel or novella, often ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words, though there is no strict word limit. The brevity of a short story allows it to be consumed in a single sitting, providing the reader with a fulfilling experience without demanding a substantial time commitment.

Focused Themes and Narrative

Due to its limited length, a short story often focuses on a central theme , idea , or message . The narrative is usually streamlined, revolving around a single, well-defined event or conflict. This allows the author to delve deeply into the chosen topic without creating an overly complex or convoluted plot.

Characters and Setting

In a short story, the number of characters tends to be limited, with a focus on just a few key figures. This allows the author to develop the characters more fully within the story’s constraints. Similarly, the setting is often simplified or concentrated, providing a clear and focused backdrop for the events taking place.

Concise Language

Short stories employ concise language, with every word carefully chosen to contribute to the overall narrative. This precision helps maintain the reader’s attention and provides a sense of pace and urgency throughout the story. When properly executed, this results in a powerful, memorable impact.

Elements of A Short Story

A short story, as a distinct literary genre, contains specific elements that work together to create a well-rounded and impactful narrative.

Let’s examine these key components in more detail:

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It generally follows a structure that includes an exposition , rising action , climax , falling action , and resolution . These stages help build the tension and carry the narrative toward its conclusion.

In a short story, characters are central to the narrative, as they drive the plot forward and engage readers emotionally. Main characters are typically well-developed, with distinct personalities, goals, and motivations. Due to the brevity of short stories, secondary characters may be less detailed but still contribute to the overall narrative.

Setting refers to the time and place in which a short story takes place. This element helps create the atmosphere and contextualize the events and characters within the narrative. A well-crafted setting can greatly enhance the reader’s experience and immerse them in the story.

The theme is the central idea, message, or insight that the author wants to convey through the short story. It can be related to human nature , society, or morality and serves as the foundation upon which all other elements of the story are built. Common themes in short stories include love , loss , and personal growth .

Style and Tone

Style refers to the way a short story is written, encompassing aspects such as word choice , sentence structure , and figurative language . Tone , on the other hand, is the attitude that the author adopts towards the subject matter, characters, and readers. These two elements work together to create a distinct narrative voice and contribute to the overall mood of the story.

Point of View

Point of view determines how the events of a short story are narrated and filtered through the characters’ perspectives. The most common points of view are first person, with the story told from a character’s perspective using “I” and “me,” and third person, with an external narrator relaying the events using “he,” “she,” or “they.”

The point of view is crucial in shaping the reader’s experience and understanding of the characters and events.

Diverse Short Story Genres

Short stories come in various genres, which allows for a wide range of themes and styles to explore. Understanding different genres can help readers choose stories that suit their interests and preferences.

Literary Fiction

Literary fiction is a genre that focuses primarily on character development and introspection. These short stories often delve into complex human emotions, interpersonal relationships, and societal issues. Some literary short stories have an experimental structure, utilizing techniques like stream of consciousness or nonlinear narratives.

Examples of literary fiction include works by authors such as:

Alice Munro

• Jhumpa Lahiri
• James Joyce

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Science fiction and fantasy short stories transport readers to imaginative worlds with futuristic technology, magical creatures, or supernatural elements. Science fiction typically deals with advanced science, technology, or extraterrestrial life, while fantasy focuses on mythical beings, magical powers, and fantastical realms.

Examples of science fiction and fantasy short stories can be found in the works of authors like:

• Isaac Asimov
• Ursula K. Le Guin
• Neil Gaiman

Mystery and Suspense

Mystery and suspense short stories entertain readers with intriguing puzzles, twists, and surprises. These stories keep readers engaged by leaving clues, challenging assumptions, and gradually revealing hidden truths. While mystery stories focus on solving a crime or unraveling a secret, suspense stories create tension by building anticipation or uncertainty about the outcome.

Examples of mystery and suspense short stories can be found in the works of:

Edgar Allan Poe

• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Agatha Christie

Romance short stories explore themes of love, desire, and complex relationships. These stories cover a wide range of emotions and can be both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Romance short stories often end with a happy or hopeful resolution but can also be open-ended or bittersweet.

Some popular romance short story authors include:

• Nora Roberts
• Debbie Macomber
• Nicholas Sparks

Horror short stories aim to evoke fear, suspense, or a sense of dread in readers. These stories can include supernatural elements, psychological horror, or physical threats that put characters in danger. Settings often play a significant role in horror stories, with creepy atmospheres or isolated locations adding to the tension.

Some examples of horror short stories come from authors like:

• Stephen King
• H.P. Lovecraft
• Shirley Jackson

Famous Short Story Writers And Their Works

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, editor, and literary critic. He is best known for his mysterious and macabre short stories.

Some of his most famous works include:

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Cask of Amontillado
• The Fall of the House of Usher
• The Pit and the Pendulum

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short story writer considered to be one of the greatest short story authors in history. His stories often focused on the ordinary lives of Russian people, dealing with themes of human nature and society.

Notable works by Chekhov include:

• The Lady with the Dog
• Ward Number Six

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was an American journalist, novelist, and short story writer. He had a distinctive writing style characterized by terse, minimalist prose that left room for interpretation.

Some of Hemingway’s renowned short stories are:

• Hills Like White Elephants
• A Clean, Well-Lighted Place
• The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber
• The Snows of Kilimanjaro

Alice Munro is a Canadian author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013. She is known for her masterful storytelling and precise attention to detail in her short stories.

A few of her most notable works include:

• The Bear Came Over the Mountain
• The Moons of Jupiter

Impact of Short Story

Short stories have had a significant impact on the literary world in a variety of ways. Their compact nature allows authors to present a complete story with limited words, emphasizing the importance of carefully chosen words and concise storytelling. This brevity enables readers to engage with the narrative quickly and often with a greater emotional impact.

The ability of short stories to concentrate on a single theme or explore a specific moment in time has contributed to their lasting impact. Authors can magnify individual human experiences or use the constricted format to offer a unique perspective on a broader topic.

As a result, readers can derive powerful meaning and insights from these concise narratives.

Short stories have also played a pivotal role in the evolution of the literary canon. They offer opportunities for experimentation, allowing authors to challenge existing norms and conventions. This innovative spirit is evident in the works of writers such as Edgar Allan Poe , Jorge Luis Borges , and Ray Bradbury , whose short stories have influenced countless other authors and genres.

Notable short story authors often help shape the literary landscape of their respective countries and periods. For instance, authors like Guy de Maupassant , Anton Chekhov , and O. Henry significantly impacted the development of literary realism and naturalism .

Meanwhile, modernist writers like James Joyce , Virginia Woolf , and Katherine Mansfield showcased the possibilities of the short story form through their innovative narrative techniques.

Furthermore, short stories have served as a space for social critique and commentary. Writers such as Flannery O’Connor , Shirley Jackson , and Alice Munro have created powerful, character-driven narratives that shed light on societal issues, moral complexities, and human nature.

Thus, the impact of short stories extends beyond the pages, stimulating thought and discussion among readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a compelling short story.

Writing a compelling short story involves a combination of engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and a strong narrative arc.

Here are some steps to help you craft a short story that captivates your readers:

• Find your central idea : Choose a theme , message , or concept that you want to explore. Your story should revolve around this central idea and should be strong enough to engage your reader from the start.

• Develop your characters : Create memorable and relatable characters that your readers can connect with. Give them distinct personalities, motivations, and backgrounds, but keep in mind that the character development should be concise in a short story.

• Create a captivating opening : Your first sentence or paragraph should immediately draw the reader in and pique their curiosity. A strong opening sets the tone for the rest of the story and encourages the reader to continue.

• Establish the setting : Describe the environment in which your story takes place. Be concise but evocative, using sensory details to make the setting come alive in the reader’s mind.

• Maintain a clear narrative structure : A short story typically has a beginning, middle, and end. Ensure that your story follows a clear and engaging narrative arc with rising action, climax, and resolution.

• Focus on conflict : Conflict is essential to a compelling story. Introduce internal or external conflict to create tension and drive the narrative forward.

• Use dialogue effectively : Good dialogue can reveal character, advance the plot, and create tension. Make sure your dialogue is natural and true to your characters’ voices.

• Show, don’t tell : Use vivid descriptions and sensory details to immerse your reader in the story. Show them what’s happening through actions and emotions rather than simply telling them.

• Keep the pacing tight : In a short story, every word counts. Ensure that your story maintains a steady pace and doesn’t get bogged down in unnecessary details or descriptions.

• Write a satisfying conclusion : The ending of your story should resolve the main conflict and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Aim for a conclusion that is surprising, thought-provoking, or emotionally resonant.

• Edit and revise : Once you’ve written your first draft, take the time to revise and polish your work. Remove any extraneous details, tighten your prose, and ensure that your story is as compelling and engaging as possible.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep writing and experimenting with different styles, themes, and techniques to find your unique voice and create compelling short stories that captivate your audience.

What are the roles of short stories in literature?

• Cultural Expression : Short stories often serve as a medium for cultural expression, allowing writers to convey their unique experiences, beliefs, and values. Through short stories, authors can share the nuances of their culture, foster understanding, and promote empathy among diverse readers.

• Teaching Tools : Short stories are frequently used as teaching tools in literature and language courses. Their brevity makes them suitable for classroom use, as they can be easily read and discussed within a single class session.

They also offer valuable examples of literary techniques , themes , and genres , helping students develop their analytical skills and understanding of literature as an art form.

• Accessibility : Short stories are easily accessible to readers, offering complete narratives that can be enjoyed in a single sitting. This can be especially appealing for busy readers, those new to literature, or those looking for a quick literary escape.

Can short stories be adapted into other forms of media?

Yes, short stories can be adapted into other forms of media, such as films, television shows, radio plays, podcasts, or graphic novels. Many successful adaptations have been based on short stories, showcasing their versatility and the enduring appeal of their narratives.

Short stories are a remarkable form of literature that captivates readers with their brevity, focus, and diverse themes. They allow writers to experiment with styles and techniques while providing a highly accessible and engaging reading experience.

These compact narratives serve as cultural snapshots, teaching tools, and vehicles for creative expression.

As a writer, mastering the art of short story writing can be a rewarding endeavor that helps refine your craft and develop your unique voice. By studying the works of renowned authors, understanding the key elements of short stories, and practicing regularly, you can unlock the potential of this powerful literary form.

Whether you’re a reader or a writer, short stories offer an unforgettable journey into the depths of human emotions, ideas, and experiences, showcasing the boundless creativity and imagination that can be packed into just a few pages.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Aerielle Ezra

What are the 7 Elements and Characteristics of a Short Story

Back to: Pedagogy of English- Unit 5

A short story is a short piece of fiction about events and characters. It is a great way to turn one’s original idea into an engaging story and show their creativity. In order to write the best short story, adding some elements to the story is essential. Even a simple story can be converted into an interesting story by the use of these seven elements in the short story.

The characters are people or animals in the story. There cannot be a story without a character as it is the life force of the story. Unless the readers do not feel attached to the characters, they won’t be gripped by the story. Characters will give a realistic feeling to the story and make it interesting for the readers. Going in-depth of the characters is important for the story to flourish.

Describing the location, time, climate, season, scenery, etc is essential to make the story real to the readers. It will help the readers to imagine the setting as described and captivate them deeper into the story.

It is the event taking place in the story. It explains what actually happens in the story. It has a beginning, a climax, and a resolution. The plot will move forward along with the actions of the characters. A compelling narrative is crucial to build suspense in the readers and make them keep turning the pages.

Adding conflict to your story is one of the most important elements of the story to make it interesting. Conflict is creating problems in the main character’s life and giving the much-needed tension to the story. It keeps the readers engaged in the story, making them want to keep finding out what happens next.

The theme is the central idea of the story. There may be one theme or more than one theme in a story. A theme is the moral of the story. It is a lesson you want to pass on to the readers through your story.

It is the way you tell your story through your writing and make it unique from the work of other authors. Style includes the tone and words you use in your storytelling to make it different from other similar works.

Point of view

This deals with from whose perspective the story is being told. There are different ways to tell your story to the readers. The first person means using I and me, the second person means using you, and the third person is using he or she. The point of view in the story also plays an essential role in building interest in the readers.

These are the most essential elements and characters that every story should have to succeed among the readers.

Character Traits: Ideas for Your Short Story

• Homework Tips
• Learning Styles & Skills
• Study Methods
• Time Management
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Whether you need to identify character traits to do a character analysis , or you are trying to come up with traits to develop a character for your own story , it is always helpful to see a list of examples as a tool for brainstorming.

Character traits are the qualities of a certain person, whether they are physical or emotional. You determine some traits by observing the way a character looks. You infer other traits by paying attention to the way the character behaves.

Need some practice? You can practice naming character traits by using one-word answers to describe a family member. You might describe your father as:

If you think about it, you know some of these characteristics by looking at your father. Others, you only know from experience over time.

The traits that make up a character are not always stated in a story; you will have to determine each character's qualities as you read, by thinking about that person's actions.

Here are a few traits we can infer from actions:

Jesse had no idea how deep the river was. He just jumped. Trait: reckless

Amanda had no idea why everyone else was laughing as she strolled around the room in mismatched shoes. Trait: clueless

Susan jumped every time the door opened. Trait: jittery

If you are trying to write a descriptive essay about a character in a book, search through the book and place a sticky note in the pages that contain interesting words or actions involving your character. Then go back and read the passages again to gain some sense of personality.

Note: This is when an electronic book comes in very handy! You can do a word search with your character name. Always ry to find an e-version of a book if you need to write any type of book report or review.

List of Traits

It is sometimes helpful to consult a list of examples to boost your own imagination. This list of traits may prompt you to identify a trait in a character you're studying.

• adventurous
• doom-filled
• egotistical
• enthralling
• exceptional
• extroverted
• free-spirited
• golden-haired
• good-natured
• high-maintenance
• humanitarian
• ill at ease
• impertinent
• inconsiderate
• introverted
• long-winded
• omnipresent
• otherworldly
• overbearing
• overwrought
• quick-witted
• self-assured
• spellbinding
• warmhearted
• well-adjusted
• white-haired
• How to Write a Character Analysis
• 20 Book Activities to Try With Grades 3-5
• Fun Ideas to Enrich Students' Vocabulary
• Miss Nelson Is Missing Lesson Plan
• Ice Breaker Game: The Movie of Your Life
• How Can You Stretch a Paper to Make it Longer?
• How to Keep a Reading Log or Book Journal
• How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story
• 6 Traits of Writing
• 40 Topics to Help With Descriptive Writing Assignments
• 50 General Book Club Questions for Study and Discussion
• Reading Comprehension Checklist and Questions for Students
• How Does Personality Affect Study Habits?
• Tell Me About Yourself
• How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting
• Items to Exclude from Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• March Madness
• AP Top 25 Poll
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Book Review: Short story anthology ‘The Black Girl Survives in This One’ challenges the horror canon

This cover image released by Flatiron shows “The Black Girl Survives in This One” horror stories edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell. (Flatiron via AP)

• Copy Link copied

Ahh, the Final Girl — a point of pride, a point of contention. Too often, the white, virginal, Western ideal. But not this time.

“The Black Girl Survives in This One,” a short story anthology edited by Saraciea J. Fennell and Desiree S. Evans, is changing the literary horror canon. As self-proclaimed fans of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” and “Goosebumps,” the editors have upped the ante with a new collection spotlighting Black women and girls, defying the old tropes that would box Black people in as support characters or victims.

The 15 stories are introduced with an excellent forward by Tananarive Due laying out the groundwork with a brief history of Black women in horror films and literature, and of her own experiences. She argues with an infallible persuasiveness that survival is the thread that connects Black women and the genre that has largely shunned them for so long.

These are the kind of stories that stick with you long after you’ve read them.

“Queeniums for Greenium!” by Brittney Morris features a cult-ish smoothie MLM with a deadly level of blind faith that had my heart pounding and my eyes watering with laughter at intervals. And “The Skittering Thing” by Monica Brashears captures the sheer panic of being hunted in the dark, with some quirky twists.

Many of the stories are set in the most terrifying real-life place there is: high school. As such, there are teen crushes and romance aplenty, as well as timely slang that’s probably already outdated.

Honestly, this was one of the best parts: seeing 15 different authors’ takes on a late-teens Black girl. How does she wear her hair, who are her friends, is she religious, where does she live, does she like boys or girls or no one at all? Is she a bratty teen or a goody-two-shoes or a bookworm or just doing her best to get through it? Each protagonist is totally unique and the overall cast of both characters and writers diverse.

And even though we know the Black girl survives, the end is still a shock, because the real question is how.

The anthology has something for everyone, from a classic zombie horror in “Cemetery Dance Party” by Saraciea J. Fennell to a spooky twist on Afrofuturism in “Welcome Back to The Cosmos” by Kortney Nash. Two of the stories have major “Get Out” vibes that fans of Jordan Peele will appreciate (“Black Girl Nature Group” by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite and “Foxhunt” by Charlotte Nicole Davies). If your flavor is throwbacks and cryptids, Justina Ireland’s “Black Pride” has you covered. Or if you like slow-burn psychological thrillers and smart protagonists, “TMI” by Zakiya Delila Harris.

Overall, it’s a bit long and the anthology could stand to drop a couple of the weaker stories. But it’s well worth adding to any scary book collection, and horror fans are sure to find some new favorites.

AP book reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews

Bomb threats cause short lockdown at Norwegian parliament house

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Two bomb threats led to a brief lockdown of the Norwegian parliament Wednesday, while lawmakers continued debate inside.

Heavily armed police were posted outside the assembly and the surrounding streets was cordoned off. Bomb sniffing dogs were seen in action outside the building.

The 169-member Storting was reopened after a bit more than two hours. A senior police officer, Sven Bjelland said authorities were “confident that it is now safe.”

During the lockdown, the Storting administration told lawmakers and staff by text message that “we have no indication that it is dangerous to be inside the Storting,” Norwegian media reported.

Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl, who took part in a debate Wednesday morning, said it was “unpleasant and unacceptable” that bomb threats were directed at parliament, adding the Norwegian security service PST also was involved.

Bjelland earlier had said that one of the threats was received Tuesday evening but was deemed not to be credible, while the second was sent Wednesday to police in Oslo. He declined to give details.

“There is a difference in the severity of the two threats,” Bjelland said, adding police knew who sent the threat Tuesday. No one has been arrested, he added.

Top headlines by email, weekday mornings

Get top headlines from the Union-Tribune in your inbox weekday mornings, including top news, local, sports, business, entertainment and opinion.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

More in this section

Nation-World

French rugby hit by racism after women’s team is targeted by opposing players during a match

Rugby players from a women’s team based in a Paris suburb say they were targeted by racist remarks during a French Cup match over the weekend

Citizen scientist measured Rockies snowfall for 50 years. Two new hips help him keep going

As snow hydrologists fan across the western U.S. to measure peak snowpack this spring, citizen scientist Billy Barr will be measuring snow — as always — at 9,500 feet outside his cabin in the remote mountain town of Gothic in central Colorado

A prominent German far-right figure charged with second count of using a Nazi slogan

Prosecutors say they have charged one of the most prominent figures in the far-right Alternative for Germany party with a second count of uttering a Nazi slogan at a political event

National Teacher of the Year helps diverse students and their families thrive in rural Tennessee

A 2nd grade teacher in rural Tennessee has been chosen as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year

Former Czech President Milos Zeman released from a hospital after surgery for a blood clot

Former Czech President Milos Zeman has been released from a hospital following surgery for a blood clot in his leg

A fire in a tailoring shop in India kills 7, including children

Police say a fire in a tailoring shop has killed seven people, including two children, in the Indian city of Aurangabad

A meme-stock comeback is underway. Use these 3 criteria to identify them, according to a market strategist.

• Meme stocks have returned in recent days, according to market strategist Steve Sosnick.
• The sharp rallies in stocks like Reddit and Truth Media highlight the YOLO-esque trading activity.
• Use the three criteria detailed below to identify the next meme stock, according to Sosnick.

The meme-stock sequel has arrived as heightened trading activity in individual stocks leads to massive gains.

Shares of Reddit surged as much as 120% following its IPO last week, which is ironic given that it is home to the popular Wallstreetbets forum.

Wallstreetbets "was the incubator for the meme-stock phenomenon in the first place, so it is unsurprising that its own stock would exhibit that type of behavior once it became listed," Interactive Brokers' chief market strategist Steve Sosnick said in a note on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's Truth Media stock experienced a one-day gain of as much as 59% after it went public via a SPAC on Wednesday. That trading activity suggests to Sosnick that meme stocks have returned "with a vengeance."

Those aren't the only stocks that have surged in recent days. Sosnick highlighted that "the 'OG' meme stock" GameStop , bitcoin , and MicroStrategy have all soared recently despite little-to-no fundamental news.

"We've been in a highly momentum-driven market environment, and it is clear that some of that momentum has morphed into wild enthusiasm for a range of highly speculative investments," Sosnick said.

The thing about momentum in the stock market is that it can last a lot longer than some may think. And it's starting to spill over into other areas of the market, according to Sosnick.

Accordingly, Sonsick offered three criteria that investors should consider when searching for the next potential meme stock.

1. "Quasi-religious fervor"

"A key element that fueled the original meme stock rally was an 'us versus them' mentality that was fermented on social media," Sosnick said.

This type of enthusiasm can be found in some pockets of the cryptocurrency world, as well as in Truth Media given the political nature of former President Donald Trump.

"I have always believed that the company's most devoted investors viewed it as a call option on the MAGA movement, which of course has its own highly devoted proponents.  It is hardly unreasonable to expect that many of those devotees would vote for their preferred candidate with their wallets," Sosnick said.

2. "Disregard for fundamentals"

"If one's investment decisions are based primarily upon emotions, then it is hardly a surprise that standard valuation metrics will be cast aside," Sosnick said.

Investors who fervently believe in a company or story or person don't necessarily care if the company is profitable or not. That leads to irrational investing behavior.

"They're not doing detailed calculations about the discounted future cash flows of their favorite stocks," Sosnick said. 

For example, Truth Media has a multi-billion dollar valuation yet it generated just $5 million in revenue during the first nine months of 2023. 

"Its situation is not unique. Even though GME is far from its all-time highs, its valuation remains stratospheric. It sports a P/E above 600 along with a triple-digit forward P/E. None of these can be remotely considered value stocks, and few can be honestly considered demonstrable growth stocks. Thus, the unique 'meme-stock' classification," Sosnick said.

3. "High short interest" 

Because sky-high valuations that are not rooted in fundamental value attract short-sellers, it's no wonder that a potential meme-stock would have a significant group of investors betting against the company.

"Stratospheric valuations attract short sellers. Those investors are indeed concerned with valuation metrics and borrow shares to sell with the hope of selling high and buying low," Sosnick said. "As we saw in 2021, this can be a powerful catalyst for a meme-stock rally.

• Main content

Advertisement

Supported by

Why Russia’s Vast Security Services Fell Short on Deadly Attack

The factors behind the failure to prevent a terrorist attack include a distrust of foreign intelligence, a focus on Ukraine and a distracting political crackdown at home.

• Share full article

By Paul Sonne ,  Eric Schmitt and Michael Schwirtz

A day before the U.S. embassy in Moscow put out a rare public alert this month about a possible extremist attack at a Russian concert venue, the local C.I.A. station delivered a private warning to Russian officials that included at least one additional detail: The plot in question involved an offshoot of the Islamic State known as ISIS-K.

American intelligence had been tracking the group closely and believed the threat credible. Within days, however, President Vladimir V. Putin was disparaging the warnings, calling them “outright blackmail” and attempts to “intimidate and destabilize our society.”

Three days after he spoke, gunmen stormed Crocus City Hall outside Moscow last Friday night and killed at least 143 people in the deadliest attack in Russia in nearly two decades. ISIS quickly claimed responsibility for the massacre with statements, a photo and a propaganda video.

What made the security lapse seemingly even more notable was that in the days before the massacre Russia’s own security establishment had also acknowledged the domestic threat posed by the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan, called Islamic State Khorasan Province, or ISIS-K.

Internal Russian intelligence reporting that most likely circulated at the highest levels of the government warned of the increased likelihood of an attack in Russia by ethnic Tajiks radicalized by ISIS-K, according to information obtained by the Dossier Center, a London research organization, and reviewed by The New York Times.

Russia has identified the four men suspected of carrying out the attack as being from Tajikistan.

Now, Mr. Putin and his lieutenants are pointing fingers at Ukraine , trying to deflect attention from a question that would be front and center in any nation with an independent media and open debate in its politics: How did Russia’s vast intelligence and law enforcement apparatus, despite significant warnings, fail to head off one of the biggest terrorist attacks in the country in Mr. Putin’s nearly quarter century in power?

The full picture is still unclear, and U.S. and European officials, as well as security and counterterrorism experts, emphasize that even in the best of circumstances, with highly specific information and well-oiled security services, disrupting covert international terror plots is difficult.

But they say the failure most likely resulted from a combination of factors, paramount among them the deep levels of distrust, both within the Russian security establishment and in its relations with other global intelligence agencies.

They also point to the way Mr. Putin has hijacked his domestic security apparatus for an ever-widening political crackdown at home — as well as his focus on crusading against Ukraine and the West — as distractions that probably did not help.

This account of the Russian failure to prevent the concert attack is based on interviews with U.S. and European security officials, security experts and analysts specializing in international intelligence capabilities. Many spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence details.

“The problem is to actually be able to prevent terrorist attacks, you need to have a really good and efficient system of intelligence sharing and intelligence gathering,” said Andrei Soldatov, an expert on Russian intelligence, who underscored that trust is needed inside the home agency and with agencies of other countries, as is good coordination. He said, “That’s where you have problems.”

An Expanding Definition of Extremist

Mr. Putin’s definition of what constitutes an extremist began to expand even before his invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

The agency primarily responsible for combating terrorism in Russia is called the Second Service, a branch of the Federal Security Service, or the F.S.B. It once focused on Islamist extremists, bands of assassins and homegrown neo-Nazi groups.

But as Mr. Putin has advanced his political crackdown at home, its list of targets ballooned to include opposition figures like Aleksei A. Navalny, who died last month in a Russian prison , and his supporters, as well as L.G.B.T.Q. rights activists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, peace activists and other Kremlin critics.

The number of Islamist-related organizations on the register of extremist organizations listed by Russian Federal Service for Financial Monitoring has declined since 2013. At the same time, hundreds of organizations have been added related to Jehovah’s Witnesses, which has its worldwide headquarters in the United States and is viewed with suspicion by the F.S.B.

Security experts said the expanding focus wasted resources and diverted the attention of senior leaders.

The head of the Second Service, for instance, was increasingly involved in areas far afield from counterterrorism; in 2020, according to the U.S. government, he and his branch of the F.S.B. were involved in the poisoning of Mr. Navalny .

“Overall, the F.S.B. is a political police force, and as such it reflects Kremlin concerns,” said Mark Galeotti, a specialist on Russia’s security operations and a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. “At present, the government is most exercised by political dissent and Ukrainian sabotage, so they are the F.S.B.’s priorities.”

Russia is one of the chief military backers of the Islamic State’s opponents in the Middle East, including Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, making Russian interests a key target of the Islamist extremist group. But as one European security official put it, the Russians were pursuing “fictitious threats” rather than real ones.

Still, U.S. and European officials say the Russian officials tracking Islamist extremists have their own unit within the Second Service that has remained robustly staffed and funded, despite the strains on the security services from the intensifying domestic political crackdown and the war against Ukraine.

The failure to prevent the attack was probably the result of a combination of other factors, including fatigue after being “especially alert” during the period before Russia’s recent presidential election , said a European security official, who tracks the activities of the Russian intelligence services.

There is also evidence that Russian authorities did respond to the warnings this month, at least initially.

Increased Security

On March 7, the day after the C.I.A. station issued the private warning to the Russians, the F.S.B. announced that it had killed two Kazakhs southwest of Moscow, while disrupting an ISIS-K plot to target a synagogue in the capital. U.S. officials thought the raid was possibly a sign that the Russian authorities were springing into action.

Iosif Prigozhin, a well-known Russian music producer, recalled that he and his wife, the Russian pop star Valeriya, who performed at Crocus City Hall this month, noticed how security had increased at the venue in early March; security guards checked people’s bags and cosmetics cases and took other measures he hadn’t seen there before, he said.

“I even called the general director and said, ‘Listen, what’s going on? Are you expecting high-ranking guests?'” Mr. Prigozhin said in an interview. “He said, ‘Iosif, I’ll tell you later.’ He didn’t say anything over the phone. He said it’s necessary — and that’s it.”

Around the same time, the venue’s staff was warned about the possibility of a terrorist attack and instructed on what to do in such an event, said Islam Khalilov, a 15-year-old student who was working in the coat check on the night of the attack, in an interview posted on YouTube .

One of Mr. Putin’s favorite singers, Grigory Leps, was performing there on March 8. Shaman , a singer whose pro-Kremlin jingoism has catapulted him to popularity amid wartime fervor, was scheduled to take the stage a day later.

But the heightened security didn’t ferret out one of the attackers, Shamsidin Fariduni. Employees at the music hall, speaking to Russian media, recalled seeing Mr. Fariduni at the concert venue on March 7. A photo of him in a light brown coat at the venue, verified by The Times, has circulated in the Russian press.

Aleksandr V. Bortnikov, the director of the F.S.B., emphasized Tuesday in public comments that the information the United States provided was “of a general nature.”

“We reacted to this information, of course, and took appropriate measures,” he said, noting that the actions the F.S.B. took to follow up on the tip didn’t confirm it.

The adversarial relationship between Washington and Moscow prevented U.S. officials from sharing any information about the plot beyond what was necessary, out of fear Russian authorities might learn their intelligence sources or methods.

In its March 7 public warning, the U.S. embassy said the risk of a concert venue attack in Moscow was acute for the next 48 hours. U.S. officials say it’s possible Russian authorities pushed hard around the 48-hour warning period but later grew more relaxed and distrustful when an attack didn’t occur.

It is unclear whether U.S. intelligence mistook the timing of the attack or the extremists delayed their plan upon seeing heightened security.

In the subsequent days, internal Russian intelligence reporting — which the Dossier Center said reached the Russian National Security Council — warned specifically about the threat that Tajiks radicalized by ISIS-K posed to Russia. The reporting pointed to the involvement of Tajiks in disrupted plots in Europe and attacks in Iran and Istanbul in recent months. The reporting didn’t mention the Western warnings or a possible Moscow attack.

The Dossier Center was founded in 2017 by the exiled Russian tycoon Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky, a longtime opponent of Mr. Putin. The authenticity of its report could not be independently verified.

But by then, the skepticism about the plot had grown within the Russian government, and Mr. Putin felt comfortable deriding the public warnings in a speech to top officers at the F.S.B., using the occasion to attack the West again.

“Because the F.S.B. — and Putin — sees the world through the prism that the United States is out to get Russia, any information that is not consistent with that frame is easily dismissed,” said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, who previously led analyses of Russia by the U.S. intelligence community.

She said, “That dynamic may have resulted in an intelligence failure with devastating consequences.”

‘Duty to Warn’

When it informed Russia privately about the potential terror plot, the C.I.A. was adhering to 2015 guidance known as “duty to warn” directives, requiring the intelligence establishment to inform “U.S. and non-U.S. persons” of specific threats aimed at “intentional killing, serious bodily injury and kidnapping.”

These directives are relatively rare, but the United States is obliged to issue them, even to adversaries, and has done so with both the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Iranian government in the past year. The warnings aren’t usually made public unless U.S. authorities think the threat could impact American citizens, which was the case in Moscow.

Mr. Putin, in both 2017 and 2019 , thanked the U.S. government for providing information that had helped Russia foil terrorist attacks in St. Petersburg. But analysts say a similar gesture would be impossible in the acrimonious environment he has created since invading Ukraine.

The United States has been tracking ISIS-K activities very closely in recent months, senior officials said. In the course of the monitoring, which has involved electronic intercepts, human informants and other means, American operatives picked up fairly specific information about plotting in Moscow, officials said.

Experts said Russia’s intelligence services have traditionally been focused on domestic terrorist threats emanating from separatist and religious extremist groups in Russia’s North Caucasus region. Large terrorist attacks on Russian soil attributed to international groups like the Islamic State or Al Qaeda have been rare, and the country’s domestic security services have less experience tracking those threats and are less skilled at penetrating Central Asian extremist cells.

In the days since the attack, Moscow has returned the favor to Washington for offering the tip by claiming its warning should be treated as evidence of possible American complicity.

Mr. Bortnikov, the F.S.B. director, said on Tuesday that Islamist extremists alone couldn’t possibly have carried out the attack. He blamed, among others, the United States.

Oleg Matsnev , Safak Timur and Aric Toler contributed reporting.

Paul Sonne is an international correspondent, focusing on Russia and the varied impacts of President Vladimir V. Putin’s domestic and foreign policies, with a focus on the war against Ukraine. More about Paul Sonne

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Michael Schwirtz is an investigative reporter with the International desk. With The Times since 2006, he previously covered the countries of the former Soviet Union from Moscow and was a lead reporter on a team that won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for articles about Russian intelligence operations. More about Michael Schwirtz