Redemption and forgiveness are also themes. Say a character makes a mistake and then works hard to be forgiven and redeem themselves.
Adventure and self-discovery can be themes. Like a character going on an exciting journey and learning a lot about themselves along the way.
Well, some common themes could be love, friendship, and courage. Like in 'Romeo and Juliet', love is a central theme.
Courage and perseverance are often seen as themes. Take 'The Lion King' - Simba's journey shows how he gains the courage to face his past and perseveres to become the rightful king.
A short story is a compact form of storytelling. It usually focuses on a single event or a limited number of characters. Examples include 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant and 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway.
There are many examples. Consider a short story where a person is constantly chasing a white rabbit, which is a metaphor for chasing an elusive dream. Or a story where a character's attic filled with old, dusty boxes is a metaphor for their past memories that they are either trying to forget or revisit. Also, a story where a character is a lighthouse in a stormy sea could represent someone who is a guiding light or source of hope in a difficult situation.
Some examples could be 'A magical journey begins', 'Love found in the chaos', 'The mystery unfolds'.
In the story 'The hen and the pen', the short 'e' in 'hen' and 'pen' is an example. The hen laid eggs in the pen.
There's 'The Ugly Duckling', which shows how an initially outcast creature transforms into a beautiful swan. It's a story of hope and acceptance.
How about a story where a person finds a forgotten letter that brings back happy memories? It's a sweet and brief tale.
One could be a story of two strangers meeting by chance on a train and instantly connecting. They spend a few hours sharing their dreams and fears, and part ways with a promise to keep in touch.
A short good story could be 'The Ugly Duckling'. It shows how appearances can be deceiving and how one's true worth is revealed over time. The transformation of the duckling is heartwarming and inspiring.