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 read short stories typically have an element of surprise. In 'Harrison Bergeron', the extreme measures taken to enforce equality are quite shocking. They also have a distinct voice. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the first - person narrative gives a very personal and intense view of the main character's experience. Moreover, they can create a vivid world quickly. Whether it's the small town in 'The Lottery' or the couple's home in 'The Gift of the Magi', the settings are well - drawn in a short space.
Well, they tend to be concise yet impactful. They can tell a complete story in just a few pages. Take 'The Necklace' for example. In a short span, it shows the folly of one's desires. Another characteristic is that they often explore universal themes. 'The Tell - Tale Heart' delves into the human psyche, specifically guilt and madness, which are emotions and states that people across cultures can understand. And they are often written in an engaging style that draws the reader in from the start.
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.
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.
One of the most read short stories is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It tells a touching story about a young couple who sacrifice their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other.
Compelling plots are also a feature of highly read stories. In 'The Lord of the Rings', the grand adventure across Middle - earth, with battles, friendships, and the quest to destroy the One Ring, keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The richly detailed world - building also adds to its allure.
One characteristic of must - read short stories is their ability to create a vivid atmosphere with just a few words. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the description of the wallpaper and the room builds a sense of claustrophobia and madness. Also, they often have unexpected twists. 'Hills Like White Elephants' surprises the reader with the subtext and the unresolved tension between the characters. Moreover, must - read short stories can convey deep emotions. 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' makes the reader feel the hope, fear, and confusion of the protagonist all within a short span. They are also good at using symbols, like in 'The Cask of Amontillado' where the catacombs symbolize the dark and vengeful nature of the narrator.
Most scary horror short stories often have a sense of the unknown. They leave a lot to the imagination. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's madness is not fully explained, and the reader is left to wonder what really drove him to such extremes. Another characteristic is a build - up of suspense. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the wishes are made one by one, and with each wish, the tension rises as the characters don't know what horror will befall them next.