Short story
A short story is a brief fictional prose narrative, usually shorter than a novel and centred on a limited number of characters, scenes, and events.
A short story is a brief fictional prose narrative that is shorter than a novel, typically centred on a limited number of characters, scenes, and events. The form aims for a single effect or mood and is valued for its concision and unified structure. The modern short story emerged as a distinct literary genre in the 19th century.
Definition
A short story is a brief fictional prose narrative. Standard references describe it as shorter than a novel and usually focused on a small number of characters and a limited sequence of events.
Characteristics
Short stories commonly emphasise unity, compression, and a single effect or mood. Characterisation is often revealed through action and dialogue rather than lengthy development.
History
Although shorter narrative forms have long existed in folklore, myth, and anecdote, the short story developed into a distinct modern literary genre in the 19th century.
Length and classification
There is no single universal word-count cutoff. Some sources define short stories broadly as prose fiction under about 10,000 words, while shorter works may be called flash fiction and longer ones novellas.
Key facts
- Short stories are works of prose fiction that are shorter than novels.
- They usually focus on one main incident, scene, or effect rather than an elaborate plot.
- The form generally uses economy of setting and a limited cast of characters.
- The modern short story became a distinct genre in the 19th century.
- Short stories often aim to create a complete and satisfying dramatic effect despite their brevity.
Short stories are a major part of Canadian literary culture, appearing in school curricula, magazines, and the work of Canadian writers such as Alice Munro and Mavis Gallant.
Frequently asked questions
What is a short story?
How long is a short story?
What makes a short story different from a novel?
When did the modern short story emerge?
Can a short story be read in one sitting?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/art/short-storySupports: Definition, main characteristics, and historical development of the short story.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20storySupports: Dictionary definition emphasizing brevity, few characters, and unity of effect.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/short-storySupports: Definition and approximate length guidance.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/short-storySupports: Summary of defining features and 19th-century emergence as a distinct genre.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/short-storySupports: Length-based definition and concentration on a single theme.