What Are the Criteria for a Short Story

What defines a short story?

A short story is a concise, self-contained work of fiction that typically focuses on a single plot, a limited number of characters, and a specific setting. Unlike novels, which can span hundreds of pages and explore multiple storylines, short stories are compact and aim to create a single, powerful effect on the reader.

The length of a short story can vary, but most experts agree that a short story should be no longer than 7,500 words. Some even argue that the ideal length is between 1,000 and 5,000 words. The brevity of a short story allows the writer to concentrate on a specific moment, character, or theme, and to convey a sense of immediacy and intensity that may be more difficult to achieve in longer works of fiction.

Despite their conciseness, short stories can be just as complex and thought-provoking as novels. They often explore universal themes such as love, loss, identity, and the human condition, but they do so in a more focused and intense manner. The best short stories leave a lasting impression on the reader, even if they are read in a single sitting.

What are the key elements of a short story?

The key elements of a short story are:

1. Plot: The sequence of events that drive the story forward and create tension or conflict.
2. Characters: The individuals who inhabit the story and drive the plot forward.
3. Setting: The time and place in which the story takes place.
4. Theme: The central idea or message that the story explores.
5. Point of view: The perspective from which the story is told.

These elements work together to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The plot provides the structure and forward momentum, while the characters bring the story to life and drive the action. The setting creates a sense of place and time, and can also influence the characters and their choices. The theme is the underlying message or idea that the story explores, and can be conveyed through the actions and choices of the characters, as well as through the plot itself. Finally, the point of view determines how the story is told and can shape the reader’s understanding and interpretation of the events.

In a short story, these elements are often more tightly woven together than in a novel. The plot is typically more focused and streamlined, with fewer subplots and diversions. The characters are often fewer in number and more intensely developed, with a clear arc or transformation. The setting is often more specific and detailed, creating a vivid backdrop for the action. The theme is often more clearly stated or implied, with less room for ambiguity or multiple interpretations. And the point of view is often more consistent and unwavering, with fewer shifts or changes.

How is a short story structured and paced?

The structure and pacing of a short story are critical to its success. Unlike novels, which have more room to meander and explore, short stories must be tightly structured and paced to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story.

Most short stories follow a classic three-act structure:

1. The beginning (or exposition): This is where the story is set up, the characters are introduced, and the conflict or problem is established.
2. The middle (or rising action): This is where the story builds momentum, the conflict intensifies, and the characters face obstacles and challenges.
3. The end (or resolution): This is where the story reaches its climax, the conflict is resolved, and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.

Within this overall structure, short stories often use a technique called in medias res, which means “in the middle of things.” This means that the story often begins in the middle of the action, with the reader being dropped into the middle of the story and having to piece together the background information as the story progresses. This technique creates a sense of immediacy and tension, and can be an effective way to hook the reader and draw them into the story.

The pacing of a short story is also critical. Short stories must move quickly and efficiently, with little room for digressions or tangents. The writer must choose their words carefully and use precise, vivid language to convey the story’s events and themes. The story should build momentum and tension as it progresses, with each scene or chapter building on the one before it and leading to a climactic moment or resolution.

One way to achieve effective pacing in a short story is to use a technique called the “Freytag Pyramid,” which divides the story into five parts:

1. Exposition: This is where the story is set up and the characters and conflict are introduced.
2. Rising action: This is where the story builds momentum and the conflict intensifies.
3. Climax: This is the turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak.
4. Falling action: This is where the story begins to resolve the conflict and move towards its conclusion.
5. Resolution: This is where the story comes to a satisfying conclusion and the conflict is resolved.

By following this structure and pacing, writers can create a short story that is engaging, compelling, and memorable.

Why is conflict important in a short story?

Conflict is the driving force behind any good story, and short stories are no exception. Conflict creates tension, suspense, and drama, and keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story. Without conflict, a story would be flat, boring, and devoid of any real drama or interest.

There are several types of conflict that can drive a short story:

1. Person vs. person: This is where the main character is in conflict with another character, such as an antagonist or rival.
2. Person vs. self: This is where the main character is in conflict with their own thoughts, feelings, or desires.
3. Person vs. society: This is where the main character is in conflict with the norms, values, or expectations of the society in which they live.
4. Person vs. nature: This is where the main character is in conflict with the natural world, such as a natural disaster or a wild animal.
5. Person vs. fate: This is where the main character is in conflict with their own destiny or the forces of fate or chance.

In a short story, the conflict should be clear, specific, and central to the story’s plot and themes. The writer should introduce the conflict early on and build tension and suspense as the story progresses. The conflict should be resolved in a satisfying way, either through the main character overcoming the obstacle or through the character accepting their fate and moving on.

One way to create effective conflict in a short story is to make the stakes high for the main character. The character should have something important at risk, such as their life, their happiness, their relationships, or their values. The higher the stakes, the more invested the reader will be in the outcome of the conflict.

Another way to create effective conflict is to make the obstacles and challenges faced by the main character difficult and seemingly insurmountable. The character should have to struggle and fight to overcome the obstacles, and their success or failure should be in doubt until the very end.

Ultimately, conflict is essential to a short story because it creates drama, tension, and interest. It drives the plot forward and keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story. Without conflict, a short story would be flat, boring, and forgettable.

How do characters drive the narrative in a short story?

Characters are the heart and soul of any good story, and short stories are no exception. In a short story, the characters must be well-developed, complex, and compelling in order to engage the reader and drive the narrative forward.

One of the key ways that characters drive the narrative in a short story is through their actions and choices. The decisions that the characters make, and the actions they take in response to the events of the story, shape the plot and determine the outcome of the conflict. A character’s actions should be consistent with their personality, values, and goals, and should create a sense of authenticity and believability.

Another way that characters drive the narrative is through their relationships with other characters. The interactions between characters, the conflicts and tensions that arise, and the ways in which the characters influence and are influenced by each other, all contribute to the overall story arc. In a short story, the relationships between characters should be well-developed and emotionally resonant, even if they are not the central focus of the story.

Character development is also critical in a short story. The main character should undergo some kind of transformation or change over the course of the story, whether it is a change in their understanding of themselves or the world around them, a change in their values or beliefs, or a change in their relationships with others. This character arc should be clear and compelling, and should be driven by the events of the story and the choices made by the character.

One way to create well-developed characters in a short story is to give them distinct voices and personalities. Each character should have their own way of speaking, thinking, and behaving, and these traits should be consistent throughout the story. The writer should also give the characters backstories and motivations that inform their actions and choices, and that help to make them feel like real, fully-realized individuals.

Another way to create compelling characters is to make them flawed and complex. The best characters are not perfect or one-dimensional, but rather are multi-faceted and imperfect. They should have strengths and weaknesses, virtues and vices, and should be capable of making both good and bad choices. This complexity helps to make the characters feel real and relatable, and helps to create a sense of empathy and investment in the reader.

Ultimately, characters are the driving force behind any good short story. They shape the plot, create conflict and tension, and undergo transformations that are central to the story’s themes and messages. By creating well-developed, complex, and compelling characters, writers can create short stories that are engaging, memorable, and emotionally resonant.

What criteria are used to evaluate short stories in competitions?

Short story competitions are a popular way for writers to showcase their skills and potentially win prizes or recognition for their work. However, the criteria used to evaluate short stories in these competitions can vary widely depending on the specific competition and its organizers.

That being said, there are some common criteria that are often used to evaluate short stories in competitions:

1. Originality and creativity: The story should be unique, fresh, and engaging, with a compelling premise and an original take on familiar themes or tropes.
2. Strong characters: The characters should be well-developed, complex, and compelling, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the narrative forward.
3. Effective plot and structure: The story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a well-paced plot that builds tension and suspense and leads to a satisfying resolution.
4. Vivid and evocative language: The writing should be polished, precise, and engaging, with a strong command of language and a distinctive voice or style.
5. Emotional resonance: The story should evoke an emotional response in the reader, whether it is laughter, tears, or a deeper understanding of the human condition.
6. Adherence to competition guidelines: The story should follow any specific guidelines set forth by the competition organizers, such as length, theme, or genre restrictions.

In addition to these general criteria, some competitions may have specific themes or genres that they are looking for, or may prioritize certain elements over others depending on the competition’s focus or mission.

For example, a competition focused on literary fiction may place a greater emphasis on language, character development, and emotional resonance, while a competition focused on genre fiction may prioritize originality, plot, and adherence to genre conventions.

It’s important to note that the evaluation of short stories in competitions is often subjective, and different judges may have different preferences and priorities when it comes to evaluating stories. As such, it’s important for writers to focus on creating the best possible story they can, rather than trying to second-guess what the judges may be looking for.

Ultimately, the criteria used to evaluate short stories in competitions are designed to identify stories that are well-crafted, engaging, and emotionally resonant, with a strong command of language and a unique and compelling voice. By focusing on these elements, writers can create short stories that are more likely to stand out in a crowded field of submissions.