Well, a common type of flashback in short stories is the explanatory flashback. This is used mainly to clarify something in the present story. For example, if a character has a strange behavior, an explanatory flashback can show the origin of that behavior. Another type is the emotional flashback. It focuses on the emotions associated with a past event. When a character is feeling a certain strong emotion in the present, an emotional flashback can show a similar emotion - filled past event to enhance the reader's understanding of the character's emotional state.
There are two main types - internal and external flashbacks. Internal flashbacks happen within a character's mind, while external ones are presented as events outside the current narrative.
A flashback in a short story is like a peek into the past. It's used to give more depth to the story by showing something that happened before the main events. It might reveal a secret, a past relationship, or an event that shaped the character's personality.
There are heroes or protagonists. They are usually the central figures and are often the ones with whom the readers root for. Then there are antagonists, who oppose the protagonists. There are also sidekicks, who support the protagonist in their journey. Another type is the foil, a character that contrasts with the main character to highlight certain qualities of the main character.
One common type is person vs. person. This involves a direct conflict between two or more characters, like a hero and a villain in a battle for power or over a love interest. Another is person vs. society. Here, the character struggles against the norms, laws, or expectations of the society they live in. For example, a character might fight against a discriminatory law. Person vs. self is also prevalent. This is an internal struggle within a character, such as dealing with self - doubt, fear, or moral dilemmas.
Character vs. nature is quite common. For example, a hiker gets lost in a storm and has to fight against the elements to survive. The power of nature, like strong winds and cold temperatures, is in conflict with the hiker's will to live.
Well, there are emotional conflicts too. A character might be torn between love and duty, which is a type of internal conflict. In some short stories, there is a cultural conflict. When characters from different cultures clash due to their different values and beliefs. And also technological conflict can exist. For example, in a story where a character is struggling to adapt to a new and overwhelming technological advancement in their world.
One key element is the trigger in the present that leads to the flashback. It can be something as simple as a song on the radio. Another is the vivid description of the past event. And also, a clear transition between the present and the past. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the green light is a trigger for Gatsby's flashbacks of his past with Daisy.
A flashback short story typically has a well-defined reason for the flashback, like a character's memory or a discovery. The details of the past event should be vivid and engaging. Plus, it should enhance the reader's understanding of the main story and characters.
There are example clues too. Consider a short story where it says 'There were various fruits in the basket, like apples, bananas, and oranges.' The mention of apples, bananas, and oranges are examples that help you understand what 'fruits' in the story means. Additionally, inference clues play a role. If a character is sweating, breathing heavily, and looking around nervously in a short story, you can infer that the character is either in a dangerous situation or is very stressed.
One common type is the hero. The hero in a short story is often the protagonist who faces challenges and overcomes them. Another is the villain. The villain creates obstacles for the hero. Then there's the sidekick. The sidekick helps the hero, usually providing support or comic relief. There are also the ordinary characters, like the townspeople in a story set in a small town. They add background and realism to the story.