best character driven short stories

Well, in the best character - driven short stories, the characters are complex. They have multiple layers to their personalities, like in 'The Great Gatsby' (which can be considered in its short - story - like essence). Gatsby is not just a rich guy, he has his dreams, insecurities and a past that shapes his actions. Also, the characters' actions are often a result of their internal conflicts. For example, in 'A Streetcar Named Desire', Blanche's actions are driven by her past traumas and her struggle to fit into a new world.

One great character - driven short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It focuses on the characters in a small town and how their personalities and group dynamics play out during a disturbing annual event. Another is 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor, which delves deep into the complex characters and their fates during a road trip gone wrong. And 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, where the main character's psychological state drives the entire story as she descends into madness.

To write engaging character - driven short stories, first, create complex and relatable characters. Give them clear goals, desires, and flaws. For example, a character might be a shy artist who dreams of showing their work in a big gallery but is too afraid to approach gallery owners. Second, put your characters in interesting situations that force them to make decisions and grow. It could be a life - changing event like a sudden inheritance or a natural disaster. Third, use vivid descriptions to bring the characters and their world to life. Show, don't tell. Instead of saying a character is sad, describe their slumped shoulders and the single tear rolling down their cheek.

One common theme is self - discovery. Characters often embark on a journey, either physical or emotional, where they learn more about themselves. Another theme is love and relationships. This could be romantic love, friendship, or family relationships. For example, a character might realize the true value of a friendship after almost losing it. Redemption is also a popular theme. A character who has made mistakes in the past tries to make amends. It shows their growth and change.

One of the best character - driven novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. The characters, like Atticus Finch, are complex and drive the story forward through their beliefs and actions. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Elizabeth Bennet's character growth and her relationships are central to the plot. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger also fits. Holden Caulfield's internal struggles and his view of the world around him form the essence of the novel.

The key is to make your characters feel real and relatable. Give them clear goals, motivations, and flaws. Let their personalities drive the plot forward.

A great example of a best plot - driven story is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. The plot is centered around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their initial misunderstandings, social differences, and the events in the community all contribute to the development of the plot. It's a story full of social commentary, romance, and character growth. Another is 'Inception' (if considering it as a story). The complex plot of entering different levels of dreams and the heist within the dream world is really captivating.

One of the best is 'This American Life'. It features a variety of real - life stories from different perspectives across the United States. Each episode has a theme, and the stories within that theme are often deeply engaging and thought - provoking.

Gale. His story is all about his pursuit of power and knowledge and the mistakes he has made in the past. He has a complex relationship with magic, especially with the dangerous artifact he has in his possession. His story arc is full of moral dilemmas and the decisions you make for him can have far - reaching consequences for the story.

I think 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King is a good one. Roland Deschain is a very deep character, his quest for the Dark Tower is not just a physical journey but also a journey of self - discovery. 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik also has strong character - driven elements. The main character Agnieszka is a complex girl who has to grow and face challenges. And 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon has many well - crafted characters. Ead Duryan, for instance, has her own secrets and motives that drive her actions and the overall story as she tries to protect her world from a great evil.