A doozy short story usually has a unique and engaging plot. It could be full of unexpected twists or have really deep characters that draw you in.
A doozy short story often has a clear and concise writing style. It manages to convey a powerful message or evoke strong emotions within a short span. Maybe it has a surprise ending or explores a rarely touched topic in an innovative way.
Often, a 'doozy' short story has very deep and complex characters. Take 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville. Bartleby's passive resistance and his strange behavior make him a very interesting and complex character, and that complexity makes the story stand out as a 'doozy'. It also might have a unique setting or atmosphere that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are in a different world. In some stories, like 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, the dark and claustrophobic setting of the catacombs adds to the overall 'doozy' factor.
One doozy short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a powerful and disturbing story about a small town's annual lottery. The plot twist at the end is really something.
A short story is typically characterized by its brevity. It has a concise plot, limited characters, and aims to convey a single main idea or theme in a relatively short span of words.
A short story typically has a straightforward structure and focuses on one main event or conflict. It doesn't spend a lot of time on background details or secondary characters. The brevity helps convey the core idea or emotion effectively.
A great short short story often has a concise and engaging plot. It can quickly draw the reader in and make them care about the characters or the situation in just a few paragraphs. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the simple yet selfless acts of the couple are presented in a very short space but still manage to touch the reader's heart.
For a story to be considered a short story, it often has a shorter word count, usually ranging from a few thousand to around 10,000 words. Also, it tends to have a narrower scope and a more immediate impact on the reader.
A best noir short story often has a dark and moody atmosphere. It usually involves crime, like murder or theft. For example, in 'The Killers', the killers' presence creates a menacing air. The characters are often morally ambiguous, not clearly good or bad. This adds to the complexity and the noir feel.
One factor is a strong opening. It grabs the reader's attention immediately, like in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. The plot also needs to be concise yet impactful. Characters should be well - developed despite the limited space. For example, in Hemingway's short stories, his characters' actions and few words reveal much about them.
A great horror short story often has an atmosphere of dread. For example, in 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft, the descriptions of the unknown and the ancient evil create a sense of impending doom. It also has a strong and relatable protagonist. If the reader can identify with the character's fear, it makes the horror more effective.
A great apocalypse short story often has a vividly described post - apocalyptic world. For example, it might detail the desolate landscapes, like in 'The Road'. Also, strong characters are key. In 'I Am Legend', the main character's struggle against the vampires makes the story engaging. And the themes are important too. Stories that explore survival, human nature, and the hope or lack of it in the face of disaster, such as 'A Canticle for Leibowitz', tend to be the best.