One of the qualities is a distinct mood. Whether it's a spooky, happy or melancholic mood, it sets the tone for the whole story. Another quality is the pacing. A short story has to have a good rhythm, not too slow that it bores the reader nor too fast that it seems rushed. Also, it has to have an engaging opening. This hooks the reader from the very start, like starting with a mysterious event or an interesting character introduction.
Good short stories usually have a unique voice. The author's style of writing should be distinct. It can be humorous, solemn, or sarcastic. For instance, Mark Twain has a very recognizable voice in his short stories. Also, the pacing matters. It shouldn't be too slow or too fast. A proper pace keeps the reader engaged at all times.
Sure. Bravery is a quality. A good character is brave enough to take risks and protect others. Also, they are often intelligent. This helps them solve problems in the story. And they are generous, always willing to share what they have with others.
Sure. One quality is decisiveness. A good leader in a story is often able to make quick and wise decisions. They don't dither when faced with choices. For instance, in a military leadership story, a general might have to decide on a battle strategy instantly.
Sure. Conciseness, independence, testability.
An engaging plot with conflict.
One important quality is a concise plot. Since it's short, it has to get to the point quickly. Another is vivid characters, even if briefly described. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the two main characters' selfless love is shown through their simple yet profound actions. Also, a strong theme is necessary. It gives the story depth and makes the reader think.
Sure. For beginners, a good feature story should be simple in its language. This makes it easy for readers to understand. Also, it should have a clear point. Beginners often struggle with getting their message across, so a clear point helps. Another quality is having a relatable topic. People are more likely to read a story they can relate to.
Sure. One main requirement is a focused idea. You can't have too many sub - plots or themes in a short story. It has to be about one main thing. For example, a story about a man trying to find his lost dog. Another is effective pacing. It should move at a good speed, not too slow or too fast. And characters that are relatable. People need to be able to understand and feel for the characters in the story.
Originality is also a quality. A novel that offers a fresh perspective or a unique story stands out. '1984' was very original in its dystopian vision when it was first published.
A good short story should have a clear and engaging plot. It grabs the reader's attention from the start and keeps them hooked until the end. For example, 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry has a simple yet powerful plot that shows the selfless love of a couple.