The best short fantasy stories usually have a strong narrative arc. They start with an interesting premise, build up some sort of conflict, and then resolve it in a satisfying way. The language also matters. Vivid and evocative language can bring the fantasy elements to life. For instance, in 'The Emperor's New Clothes' by Hans Christian Andersen, the simple yet powerful language helps to tell a story that is both a fantasy and a social commentary.
A great short fantasy story often has a unique and immersive world - building. For example, in 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka, although it's a bit different from traditional fantasy, the transformation of Gregor into an insect creates a strange and captivating world. Vivid characters also matter. In 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs, the characters' reactions to the magic of the paw drive the story. And a good short fantasy story usually has a clear and engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.
Well, for a fantasy short story to be among the best, it needs to have a well - crafted world - building. Even in a short format, it should be able to create a believable and immersive fantasy world. The story should also have an emotional impact. Whether it makes you feel sad, happy, or scared, like 'The Hunger Games' short stories. And the pacing should be just right, not too slow that you get bored or too fast that you miss important details.
A great sci - fantasy short story often has a unique concept. For example, if it presents a new take on time travel or a different kind of alien life. It's like 'Flowers for Algernon' which is sort of a cross between sci - fi and fantasy in the way it deals with intelligence enhancement and the emotional journey of the main character.
The best short story usually has well-developed characters. When readers can relate to or be intrigued by the characters, it makes the story more compelling. Also, a concise and clear theme helps convey the message effectively.
Well, for a short story to be the best, it often has a great plot. A plot that grabs your attention from the start and keeps you hooked till the end. For example, in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, the unexpected and dark plot makes it a classic.
A great short short story often has a strong concept. For example, it can convey a deep emotion or idea in just a few pages. If it has a unique plot twist like in 'The Gift of the Magi', it can be really engaging. Also, the use of language matters. A story that uses vivid and concise language can be very effective. For instance, Hemingway's short stories are known for their sparse yet powerful prose.
The best bee short story might be the best because it has engaging characters, even if they are just bees. If it makes you care about the bee's journey, whether it's finding a new home for the hive or protecting its family from predators, that would be a great factor. Also, if the story has a beautiful description of the bee's world, like the colorful meadows and the sweet - smelling flowers they visit, it can really draw the reader in. The story could also have a strong moral, like the importance of hard work which bees are known for. All these elements combined can make a bee short story the best.
A best noir short story often has a dark and moody atmosphere. It usually involves crime, like murder or theft. For example, in 'The Killers', the killers' presence creates a menacing air. The characters are often morally ambiguous, not clearly good or bad. This adds to the complexity and the noir feel.
A great apocalypse short story often has a vividly described post - apocalyptic world. For example, it might detail the desolate landscapes, like in 'The Road'. Also, strong characters are key. In 'I Am Legend', the main character's struggle against the vampires makes the story engaging. And the themes are important too. Stories that explore survival, human nature, and the hope or lack of it in the face of disaster, such as 'A Canticle for Leibowitz', tend to be the best.
Symbolism plays a huge role too. In psychoanalytic short stories, symbols often represent the characters' inner thoughts and emotions. Take 'The Lottery' for instance. The lottery itself can be seen as a symbol of the town's collective unconscious acceptance of a cruel and archaic tradition, which is a deep exploration of the group psyche.