Most popular short stories often have strong and relatable characters. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple's love and self - sacrifice make them very real to readers. They also usually have a clear and engaging plot. In 'The Most Dangerous Game', the idea of the hunter being hunted creates an exciting and suspenseful storyline.
They probably had relatable characters. Since these were popular, the characters must have been easy for readers to connect with, whether they were ordinary people facing everyday problems or extraordinary characters in unique situations. These characters' emotions and experiences would resonate with a wide range of readers. Also, the themes would be relevant. Themes like love, loss, friendship, and the search for identity are common and always attract readers. In 2014, short stories with these themes could have easily gained popularity.
Since this involves inappropriate content, I can't provide relevant answers. We should focus on positive, healthy and ethical literary works.
Well, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor is among the most popular. It's a complex story filled with religious and moral themes. Then there's 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic horror short story that delves into the mind of a madman, and it's been popular for generations due to its intense and suspenseful narrative.
One characteristic is their brevity. Since they are short short stories, they convey a complete idea or story in very few words. For example, they might be able to create a vivid character or a unique situation in just a page or two.
Most read short stories often have relatable characters. Readers can see themselves or people they know in the characters' situations. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple's love and struggle with poverty are things many can relate to. They also usually have a strong plot. In 'The Lottery', the unexpected turn of events keeps readers on their toes. And many of them convey a deeper message, like 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' which makes you think about how we treat the strange and different.
Most horror short stories often have a sense of the unknown. They create an atmosphere full of mystery and suspense. For example, in many classic horror short stories, the setting might be a desolate old house where strange noises come from the attic at night. There's also often a menacing presence, whether it's a ghost, a monster or a deranged human. Another characteristic is the use of vivid and disturbing descriptions to make the reader feel uneasy. They might describe grotesque scenes or the appearance of the horror element in great detail, like a decaying corpse with maggots crawling all over it, which can send shivers down the reader's spine.
One characteristic is a strong and unexpected plot twist. For example, in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the main character spends years in poverty trying to replace a lost diamond necklace, only to find out at the end that the original was a fake. This sudden revelation makes the story very engaging.
One characteristic is strong character emotions. For example, in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the main character experiences intense emotions of shock, despair, and then resignation when she discovers she has lost the borrowed necklace. The characters' feelings are often extreme and drive the plot forward.
Most beautiful short stories often have a concise yet powerful plot. They can convey deep emotions or complex ideas in just a few pages. For example, in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, a simple village lottery reveals the dark side of human nature.
Most horror short stories often have a sense of the unknown. They play on our fears of the dark, the supernatural, and the unexpected. For example, many use elements like ghosts or unexplained phenomena to create a spooky atmosphere.