Final answer:
A short-story summary should include the central conflict and its resolution, key character depictions, a condensed version of the plot, and the significance of the title, providing a coherent account of the story's essence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In summarizing a short story, certain elements are crucial to include. The summary should focus on the central conflict the characters face and how it is resolved. This encapsulates the problem and solution which are necessary to understand the narrative. Moreover, a depiction of the key characters should be provided – who they are, their role in the story, and their development over the course of the narrative. The story's plot, a condensed version of the events that occur, particularly highlighting the cause-and-effect relationships, should be conveyed succinctly.
Lastly, the title's significance in reflecting themes or deeper meanings in the story should be considered. Noteworthy is that a summary is not meant to dissect every detail, but rather to give a coherent and brief account of the story's essence, focusing more on what happens and why, rather than on sensory details or specific literary devices unless they are integral to the understanding of the story.