20 page short stories

They usually have a small number of characters. Since there is limited space, the author can't develop a large cast. In 'A Rose for Emily', the main focus is on Emily and the townspeople's perception of her. Also, 5 - page short stories tend to have a quick - paced plot. There's not much room for long, drawn - out build - ups. They often start near the inciting incident and move rapidly towards the climax and resolution, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the woman's mental state deteriorates quite quickly.

They are concise. In just 10 pages, they need to convey a complete plot. For example, they usually have a focused theme, like in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, which is about the consequences of vanity.

Often, 20 - page short stories tend to have a limited number of characters. This allows for in - depth exploration of the main characters' personalities and motives. In 'The Cask of Amontillado', the two main characters are explored thoroughly in a relatively short space, making the story full of tension and mystery.

Often, 3 - page short stories focus on a single theme or idea intensely. Take 'The Yellow Wallpaper' as an example. In those few pages, it delves deeply into the mental breakdown of the female protagonist due to her confinement and the lack of agency she has. It's all about the exploration of her psychological state.

Writing 3 4 page short stories requires careful planning. Decide on the genre first, whether it's a mystery, a romance, or something else. If it's a mystery, drop hints early on. For instance, in the first page, mention a strange object or an out - of - place event. Develop the characters with just a few strokes. A character's name can also give a clue about their personality. As you write, read it aloud to check the flow. Cut out any unnecessary words or phrases. End with a twist or a thought - provoking conclusion.

Often, they focus on a single moment or a very narrow theme. They can be very impactful because they cut straight to the core of the emotion or situation. Take 'The Lottery' as an example. It's a one - page story that creates a huge shock with its simple yet dark concept.

One characteristic is their concise nature. Despite being short, they can convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, they often have a single, strong theme that is developed quickly.

They are concise. They usually focus on one main idea or event. For example, in 'The Most Dangerous Game', the main idea of the hunt is presented clearly within one page.

They are concise. Despite being just a page long, they can convey a complete story arc with a beginning, middle and end.

They are concise. Usually, they have to quickly introduce a setting, like a small town in 'The Lottery'.