Final answer:
The characteristics of a good story typically include engaging characterization, a strong and logical plot, a fitting title, consistent tone and mood, and well-chosen words and devices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of a Good Story
There are several elements that combine to make a good story.
At the core, we have characters, plot, setting, theme, and the title of the story.
These elements must work together to ensure the story is engaging, coherent, and impactful.
Characterization
Good characterization is fundamental in a story and involves well-rounded characters with depth.
These characters often experience some form of development or change through the narrative.
It is important to ask who the protagonist and antagonist are, and how they evolve over time.
Plot
The plot of a story involves the events that take place, the conflict, and how it gets resolved.
A good plot will lead the reader through a logical but sometimes unpredictable sequence of events, eventually building up to a climax.
Whether the story is chronological or non-linear, it should consistently engage the reader and adequately pace the unfolding of events.
Title
Choosing the right title is important as it often reflects key themes and can allure the reader.
A title might also hint at the story's thematic elements and encourage deeper thought post-reading.
Other important aspects include vivid details to engage the senses, a consistent tone and mood, narrative voice, word choice, and rhetorical devices that contribute to a unique style.
Short stories, while perhaps brief, still require a tight and compelling plot with a notable twist or climax to leave a lasting impression.