What are some characteristics of a really short story?

They are concise. For example, they usually focus on one simple event or character like a short story about a bird finding a warm nest to sleep in.

Most of them are highly impactful. They often leave a strong impression on the reader. Like, they might have a twist at the end that completely changes your perception of the whole story, making you think about it long after you've finished reading.

One really short story could be: 'A man saw a coin on the ground. He picked it up. His day got better.'

One characteristic is a concise yet impactful plot. In a short novel, there's no room for long - windedness. For example, in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the simple plot of a woman borrowing a necklace and the consequences that follow is very powerful. Another is vivid characterization. Even in a short space, like in 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell, the characters of Zaroff and Rainsford are very well - drawn.

They usually have a quick setup and resolution. Since they are short, the author has to get to the point fast. So, they start with a problem or a strange situation very quickly, and then resolve it in a short time. For instance, a character might find a magic door, enter it, face a small challenge inside, and then come out with a new understanding or a change. There's no time for long, drawn - out character development, but rather a more direct showing of who the character is through their actions in this brief adventure.

They are concise. They often focus on a single event, like a key battle moment or an individual's heroic act. For example, a story might just be about a soldier's split - second decision to save a comrade.

They are concise. For example, they usually have a simple plot with few characters, like a story about a single animal's small adventure. This makes it easy for listeners to follow and fall asleep quickly.

One characteristic is a strong and immediate impact. Since they are short, they need to quickly grab the reader's attention. For example, in 'The Lottery', the seemingly normal start quickly turns into a disturbing situation. Another is the ability to convey complex ideas in a concise way. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', complex themes about human nature and the unknown are presented in just a few pages. Also, great short stories often have memorable characters despite their short length, like the couple in 'The Gift of the Magi' who are so selfless.

One really short short story could be: 'The cat jumped. It landed on its feet. The end.'

One characteristic of a short story is its brevity. They usually have a concise plot and don't get too complicated. Another is a focused theme, often centered around a single idea or event.