They usually feature a mystery to be solved, like in Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. There is a problem, a crime perhaps, and the detective character uses logic and clues to figure it out. Mystery short stories also tend to have a sense of the unknown, whether it's a strange setting or a mysterious character. For instance, in some stories, the villain is hidden in the shadows, adding to the overall sense of mystery.
Often, they have an element of suspense. For example, in many of Poe's works, the reader is left in a state of anticipation, not knowing what will happen next.
A good mystery short story often has a surprise ending. It could be that the least likely suspect turns out to be the culprit. This is a common device in many famous mystery short stories, such as some of Agatha Christie's works where she masterfully fools the reader until the very last moment.
Surprise endings are also common. Agatha Christie is a master of this. In many of her stories, including 'The Witness for the Prosecution', the final revelations completely change the reader's perception of the story. The plot twists are carefully crafted to shock and engage the reader until the very end.
One characteristic is a sense of intrigue. They often start with a strange event or situation, like a sudden disappearance or an unexplained death. For example, in many short mystery stories, the opening scene hooks you right away.
Famous short stories often have a concise plot. They can quickly draw readers in and deliver a complete story arc in a short space. For example, in 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell, the plot of a man being hunted on an island is established very quickly.
One characteristic is their concise yet impactful storytelling. They manage to convey deep emotions, complex themes, or interesting characters in a relatively short space. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', O. Henry uses just a few pages to show the selfless love of a couple. Another characteristic is often a strong plot twist or a memorable ending. Like in 'The Lottery', the ending completely changes the reader's perception of the whole story. Also, famous short stories usually have relatable characters or situations that make the reader think about real - life issues.
The stories often have strong themes. For example, some deal with love, like the pure and selfless love in certain stories. Others may focus on human nature, such as greed or kindness. They also use vivid language to create memorable characters and settings even with limited words. For instance, in some stories, the description of a small town or a particular person can be very vivid, making the reader feel as if they are there.
One characteristic is the element of suspense. For example, in 'The Cask of Amontillado', the reader doesn't know exactly what Fortunato will encounter as he follows Montresor deeper into the catacombs. Another is the use of red herrings. Writers often put in false clues to mislead the reader. Also, the mystery usually has a central enigma, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the narrator's true motivation for his actions is a mystery at first. And the stories are often concise, getting to the point quickly to keep the reader engaged.
Characteristics include concise yet vivid descriptions. Since they are short, they need to paint a clear picture in just a few words. In 'The Speckled Band', Doyle describes the strange circumstances and the menacing presence effectively. Another characteristic is the ability to engage the reader quickly. They don't have a long build - up like some novels. 'The Cask of Amontillado' grabs you right from the start with its strange invitation. And they often leave a lasting impression. Even though they are short, stories like 'A Jury of Her Peers' stay with you long after you've read them because of their unique take on mystery and human nature.
The characters in these short stories are usually well - rounded. They can be ordinary people like fishermen, farmers, or housewives, and their daily struggles, hopes, and dreams are explored in detail. This makes the stories relatable not only to Malayalam readers but also to a wider audience interested in human stories.
They usually have a central mystery or problem. This could be a murder, a disappearance, or a theft. The whole plot revolves around the characters trying to solve this mystery. And the stories are concise. Since they are short, every word counts and there's no room for long, drawn - out descriptions that don't contribute to the mystery.
They often have a quick - paced plot. In a short mystery, there's no time to waste, so the action and the mystery unfold rapidly. For example, in 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band', Sherlock Holmes gets right to the heart of the mystery. Another characteristic is the element of surprise. The ending usually has a twist that the reader doesn't expect. Like in 'Lamb to the Slaughter', the wife's actions at the end are completely unexpected. Also, they tend to have a limited number of characters, so the focus remains on the mystery itself.