James Ramsey Ullman was a great writer. Regarding his 'top man' short story, without having read it in detail, it might center around a protagonist who is at the peak in some aspect of life. It could be set in a particular era or location that Ullman is known for depicting in his works, and might deal with themes like ambition, power, or the price of being on top.
One characteristic is a concise plot. A top man short story can tell a complete and engaging story in a relatively short space. For example, in 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell, the story of a man being hunted on an island is told very compactly. Another characteristic is strong character development. Even in a short story, the characters are well - defined. In 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway, the two main characters' personalities and their relationship are subtly shown through their dialogue. Also, they often have a deep theme. Like in 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor, it explores themes of morality and grace.
A top man, let's call him David, was a renowned athlete. He had won many championships. One day, while he was out for a jog, he came across a lost puppy. Instead of just leaving it, he spent his whole day looking for its owner. He put up posters and asked around the neighborhood. Eventually, he found the owner, a little girl who was overjoyed to have her puppy back. David's kindness showed that being a top man wasn't just about his athletic achievements.
Another excellent one is 'The Franklyn Paragraphs'. It delves deep into the realm of the strange and the uncanny. The story is filled with vivid descriptions that draw you into its disturbing world, and Campbell's use of language really adds to the overall atmosphere of horror and mystery.
It depends on the specific details and context. Sometimes such stories can be based on real events with some embellishments, while others might be completely fictional.
A top man in the fashion world could be the focus. He is preparing for a huge fashion show. But his lead model gets sick at the last minute. So, he has to quickly find a replacement. He scouts the city and finds an unknown girl with great potential. He trains her in a short time, and she shines on the runway. His show becomes a huge success and sets new trends in fashion.
One more is 'The End of the Line'. This story has a great sense of foreboding from the very start. The characters are complex and their fates are intertwined with the eerie events that unfold. It shows Campbell's ability to create a fully immersive and terrifying short story experience.
Well, in 'Ramsey Campbell Collected Short Fiction', you can expect to find stories that often play with the reader's fears. His works might feature elements like haunted places, strange characters, and unexplainable events. For example, he may use settings such as old, dilapidated houses to create a sense of dread. His stories also tend to explore the darker aspects of human nature, like how people react when faced with the unknown or the terrifying.