What are the characteristics of really good short love stories?

A really good love story usually has an element of sacrifice. Take 'Casablanca' for instance. Rick sacrifices his love for Ilsa for a greater good, which is a very noble and heart - wrenching act. Also, a strong sense of place can enhance a love story. In 'Out of Africa', the beautiful Kenyan landscape becomes an important part of the love story between Karen and Denys.

One characteristic is strong emotions. In a really good love story, the characters feel deep love, passion, or longing. For example, in 'Gone with the Wind', Scarlett's love for Ashley and Rhett's love for Scarlett are full of intense emotions. Another characteristic is conflict. There are often obstacles like family differences, as in 'Romeo and Juliet', or social status differences, which make the love story more interesting.

One characteristic is strong emotions. In really good love stories, the characters experience deep love, passion, and sometimes heartbreak. For example, in 'Titanic', Jack and Rose's love is full of passion. Another is relatable characters. We can see parts of ourselves or people we know in the characters. Like in 'When Harry Met Sally', their friendship - turned - love story is very relatable.

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.

Good short love stories often have a simple plot. For example, they might focus on a single encounter or a short period of time that changes the characters' lives. They also usually have strong emotions that are quickly conveyed, like instant attraction or a deep sense of longing.

They are concise but still manage to convey deep emotions. A good short love story can make you feel the love, longing, or joy in just a few paragraphs. Also, they usually have an element of surprise or unexpectedness. Maybe it's a chance encounter that leads to love, like two strangers meeting in a rainstorm and falling for each other. The setting also plays an important role. It could be a cozy coffee shop or a bustling city street, adding to the charm of the story.

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.