Good scary short stories also use the setting effectively. In 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs, the dark and stormy night, along with the isolated cottage, sets the mood. The cursed monkey's paw that can grant wishes, but with dire consequences, is a classic horror trope. The story plays on the characters' greed and the fear of the unknown, making it a great example of a scary short story.
A great short scary story often has an unexpected twist. For example, in 'The Lottery', the normal - seeming small - town lottery turns out to be a brutal sacrifice. It also needs a good build - up of tension. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's increasing paranoia builds the tension until it reaches a breaking point. And a sense of the unknown or the uncanny helps, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the power of the paw is mysterious.
Shared experiences are key in a best friend forever story. It could be going through a difficult family situation together, like when my friend and I supported each other when our parents divorced. Or it could be happy times like traveling and creating memories. These experiences bond you deeply.
One factor is the exploration of social and political issues. In the best dystopian short stories, like 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury, it examines the suppression of knowledge and the dumbing - down of society. Another is the creation of a believable and immersive world. Stories like 'The Hunger Games' (which started as a short story concept) build a world where the Capitol's oppression of the districts is vividly depicted. The characters also play a role. They need to be relatable and their struggles in the dystopian setting should be engaging, like in 'The Handmaid's Tale' (which also has short story elements).
A great short short story often has a strong concept. For example, it can convey a deep emotion or idea in just a few pages. If it has a unique plot twist like in 'The Gift of the Magi', it can be really engaging. Also, the use of language matters. A story that uses vivid and concise language can be very effective. For instance, Hemingway's short stories are known for their sparse yet powerful prose.
The setting is crucial too. A spooky old house, like in 'The Haunting of Hill House', with its creaking floors and dark corners, sets the mood for a great scary story. It becomes almost like a character itself, adding to the overall sense of dread.
A great scary story often has relatable characters that you care about, so you feel their fear. And a build-up of tension that explodes into terrifying moments makes it memorable.
Hugo's use of pacing in his writing is a major factor. In a short story, the right pacing keeps the reader interested. Hugo knows when to speed things up and when to slow down, which is a great asset for creating a best short story.
A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, 'The Lottery' has this very unexpected concept of a lottery that's not what you'd initially think. It also needs engaging characters, even if they're briefly described. In 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple is so relatable. And a good short story usually has a well - crafted plot that can be told in a short space without feeling rushed or incomplete.
A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the idea of the couple sacrificing their most precious things in a selfless way is very touching. It also has well - developed characters, even in a short space. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', the old man is a very mysterious and thought - provoking character.
A great short story often has a powerful and engaging plot. For example, it might have a big twist at the end like in 'The Lottery'. It also needs well - developed characters, even if it's just a short piece. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the characters are complex and interesting. And the theme should be thought - provoking, like the exploration of human nature in 'Young Goodman Brown'.