They usually have a quick setup and resolution. Since they are short, the author has to get to the point fast. So, they start with a problem or a strange situation very quickly, and then resolve it in a short time. For instance, a character might find a magic door, enter it, face a small challenge inside, and then come out with a new understanding or a change. There's no time for long, drawn - out character development, but rather a more direct showing of who the character is through their actions in this brief adventure.
Really short fantasy stories often leave a lot to the reader's imagination. Because of their brevity, not every detail can be spelled out. So, readers are left to fill in the gaps. For example, a story might end with a character seeing a strange light in the distance. The author doesn't say what it is exactly, and the reader can imagine all sorts of things, like it could be a magical portal or a friendly spirit. This makes the reading experience more interactive and personal.
Most of them are highly impactful. They often leave a strong impression on the reader. Like, they might have a twist at the end that completely changes your perception of the whole story, making you think about it long after you've finished reading.
They are concise. For example, they usually have a simple plot with few characters, like a story about a single animal's small adventure. This makes it easy for listeners to follow and fall asleep quickly.
One characteristic is a strong and immediate impact. Since they are short, they need to quickly grab the reader's attention. For example, in 'The Lottery', the seemingly normal start quickly turns into a disturbing situation. Another is the ability to convey complex ideas in a concise way. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', complex themes about human nature and the unknown are presented in just a few pages. Also, great short stories often have memorable characters despite their short length, like the couple in 'The Gift of the Magi' who are so selfless.
They are concise. They often focus on a single event, like a key battle moment or an individual's heroic act. For example, a story might just be about a soldier's split - second decision to save a comrade.
Short fantasy stories typically have quick - paced plots. Since they are short, things happen fast to keep the reader engaged. They also feature extraordinary characters. In 'Peter Pan', we have Peter who can fly and the Lost Boys. Moreover, they use vivid descriptions to bring their fantastical settings to life. The description of the Snow Queen's palace in 'The Snow Queen' is a good example.
One characteristic is their ability to create a complete and engaging world quickly. In just a short space, they introduce elements like magic systems. For example, a short story might describe a unique way of casting spells in just a few paragraphs. The themes in short fantasy stories can be quite diverse, from good versus evil to self - discovery within a magical context. And the language used is usually rich and descriptive to bring the fantastical elements to life, even in a limited word count.
One characteristic is a strong emotional core. For example, in a short love story, the characters' love for each other should be palpable, whether it's a sudden spark or a slow - burning affection. Another is concise yet vivid description. It can quickly draw the reader into the story world with just a few words about the setting or the characters' expressions.
One characteristic is the presence of extraordinary elements. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs, there is a magical paw that can grant wishes but with unforeseen and often terrifying consequences. Another is the creation of unique settings, like the strange and dream - like landscapes in Lewis Carroll's short fantasy works.
One characteristic is the presence of the unknown. In these stories, there are often elements that are not fully explained at first, like a strange creature or a mysterious event. For example, in 'The Masque of the Red Death', the identity of the Red Death figure is a mystery throughout most of the story. Another is the blend of the real and the unreal. They can be set in a normal - looking world but with a touch of magic or the supernatural, such as 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the woman's hallucinations start to blend with the real world of the room. Also, mystery fantasy short stories usually have a sense of suspense that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Famous short fantasy stories often have unique settings. For example, they might be set in magical lands like Wonderland or Neverland. They also usually have interesting characters, such as talking animals or magical beings. And they tend to carry a moral or message, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' which warns about the dangers of interfering with fate.