Final answer:
Short stories are characterized by their brevity, minimal character development, and focus on a central conflict, which prevents in-depth exploration of characters. The narrative is often from a limited perspective, and a twist ending is common to emphasize the theme and invite reader reflection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Short stories often prioritize brevity and economy of storytelling, focusing on a singular narrative, theme, or character. Unlike novels, short stories operate within a limited space, which necessitates a more concise approach to character development. Short stories typically span a relatively short time span, involve fewer characters, and revolve around a central conflict or tension related to the main character. Characterization in short stories is minimally detailed, as the narrative demands less from the writer in terms of extensive background or complex development and more from the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps.
The structure of a short story generally includes a turning point or climax, which significantly impacts the story's direction. A twist in the ending is common, aiming to reinforce the theme and provoke reflection. Writers of short stories sometimes practice narrative minimalism, using fewer details and relying on readers to add to the narrative.
Due to the limited scope, the writer may present a narrative from a limited perspective, often through the main character's viewpoint. This may leave little room for exploring the internal states or backgrounds of other characters, further constraining character development.
The conflict at the heart of the short story is central to its effectiveness but does not typically allow for a deep exploration of multiple characters' psychological complexities. This is due both to the form's brevity and its focus on delivering a poignant, singular effect rather than an expansive, multifaceted narrative as found in longer works like novels.