Short Stories Characteristics of the Short Story: The story is usually short enough to be read in one sitting It has one conflict; struggle between opposing forces. Has one principle setting. The story has few main characters who must be developed rapidly. Short stories have simple plots that develop rapidly as well. Will often have only one major theme. The outcome will appeal to the reader’s emotions.

Short Stories Short Story Terminology: Fiction: deals with imaginary people places and things; it is not true, it is contrived or made up. Non-fiction: deals with real people place events and experiences such as histories, biographies, essays and news articles. Escapist Literature: Written solely to entertain, it takes the reader away from reality and allows him to temporarily escape.

Short Stories Interpretive Literature: Written to inform, broaden, deepen, and sharpen our awareness of life. It’s objective is to develop understanding as well as pleasure. Short Story: A brief, fictional prose narrative having one main character, a single plot, a limited number of settings, and one main single effect constitutes a short story.