Good adult book stories often have complex characters. For example, characters with multiple layers of personality and motives, like Hamlet in Shakespeare's play. He is indecisive yet has a strong sense of justice.
A well - crafted plot is another characteristic. In 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, the plot is intricate, with multiple storylines and characters all converging towards a common goal. It keeps the readers engaged from start to finish, and the world - building adds to the richness of the story.
Well, a good adult book story should be able to resonate with the readers on an emotional level. It might touch on real - life issues such as love, loss, or social injustice. Take 'The Color Purple' for example. It powerfully portrays the struggles of African - American women in a particular era. Moreover, a good story often has a unique writing style. Authors like James Joyce in 'Ulysses' have a distinct way of presenting their stories that makes them stand out. Additionally, it should offer some kind of intellectual stimulation, making the reader think about different concepts.
Good adult stories often have complex characters. They are not one - dimensional but have a mix of virtues and flaws. For instance, in 'The Great Gatsby', Jay Gatsby is both a romantic dreamer and a man with a shadowy past.
Good adult bedtime stories are often calming. They don't have a lot of high - intensity action or drama that would keep you awake. For example, stories set in peaceful natural settings like the English countryside in 'The Wind in the Willows'. They also usually have some depth to them, whether it's in the form of moral lessons like in 'Aesop's Fables' or philosophical ideas like in 'The Little Prince'.
Good adult comedy stories often have relatable characters. For example, in 'Bridget Jones's Diary', many people can relate to Bridget's insecurities. They also have unexpected plot twists. In 'The Hangover', the friends wake up with no memory of the previous night and all kinds of strange things start to unfold. And humor that comes from real - life situations, like in 'Bridesmaids' where the pre - wedding chaos is something many can identify with.
Effective use of language is also a characteristic. A well - written short story can create a vivid world in just a few pages. Writers use descriptive words and phrases to draw the reader into the story. For instance, Raymond Carver is known for his simple yet evocative language that can make a mundane scene seem full of meaning.
A distinct plot is another characteristic. Take 'The Lady with the Pet Dog' by Anton Chekhov. The plot is simple yet full of nuances as it explores an extramarital relationship in a way that shows the characters' inner turmoil and the consequences of their actions. And they tend to use sophisticated language that can convey deep emotions and ideas without being overly wordy.
Good adult love stories often involve complex characters. They are not one - dimensional but have their own flaws, dreams, and pasts that influence their relationships. For example, in 'Gone with the Wind', Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler are both complex individuals, and their love story is full of twists and turns because of their personalities.
One characteristic is the ability to create a vivid world. In 'Lord of the Rings', Tolkien creates Middle - earth in such detail that it feels real. Good book stories also have conflict. In 'The Hunger Games', the conflict between the districts and the Capitol drives the story forward. Moreover, they can make readers feel emotions. 'The Fault in Our Stars' makes readers feel love, sadness, and hope throughout the story.
Good short mystery adult stories often have complex characters. For example, the main character might have a hidden past that becomes relevant to the mystery. They also usually have a strong sense of setting. A story set in a spooky old house can add to the mystery. Another characteristic is the use of clever plot twists. Just when you think you know who the culprit is, there's a sudden turn that changes everything.
They usually have a certain level of emotional depth. A story that can make you feel something, whether it's a warm feeling of love or a bit of melancholy, can be very suitable. For instance, a story about an old couple reminiscing about their life together. The language should be relatively easy to understand so that as you're drifting off to sleep, you don't have to struggle to figure out what's being said. Also, they often have a clear ending, not leaving you with a sense of confusion or unease.