Final answer:
Short stories are fictional prose that convey a theme or lesson to the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
Short stories are a form of fictional prose that typically range from 1,000 to 20,000 words in length, making them much shorter than novels. They are not typically written in poetic verse, but rather use straightforward writing styles. However, short stories usually include a central theme or lesson that the author wants to convey to the reader. This theme or lesson can be stated explicitly or implied through the characters, plot, and events of the story.
Learn more about Short stories and their characteristics