Guidelines for Short Story Creation

There are a few parts that make up a short story. The plot has several moving parts, some of which are the setting, the people, and the conflict. A storys main purpose is to either amuse or inform its readers. It's also important to leave the reader with a takeaway or key point. There must also be some conflict or action in the story. Both inward and outward pursuits are viable options here.

Having a story's protagonist fearlessly stand up for what she believes in is a great approach to getting the plot in motion and creating tension. You can disclose the character's worldviews by exhibiting their decisions depending on their desires and beliefs. They can't win without resorting to violent means.

One can show character conflict in several different ways. Man versus nature conflicts is extremely widespread. In these narratives, the protagonist faces up against adversity brought on by the elements. In "The Old Man and the Sea," the protagonist, Santiago, fights off sharks to protect his haul. The obstacles of nature and the heart must also be surmounted.

A short narrative can take place anywhere, from a single room to a whole country. You can also pick the day and time of day. The environment of your novel may vary as the plot progresses. It's also possible to consider the neighborhood's social and cultural norms.

One of the most powerful ways to define the tone and pace of a story is through its environment. Your story's plot may get confusing if the setting isn't developed enough. You may use this to your advantage by providing concrete examples and drawing the reader into the story.

Changing the usual plot structure of your novel might be entertaining. You'll like it as much as the reader does. An unexpected turn in the plot can also be accomplished through the use of a flashback. During the flashback, a fascinating revelation should be made that will shift the path of the tale.

A plot twist is an unexpected change in the direction part of story. In Yann Martel's "Life of Pi," for example, a small boy named Pi spends nearly a year at sea in the Pacific Ocean surrounded by tigers. The tiger symbolizes the main character, Pi.

An additional story twist is a red herring. This is a typical plot device in thrillers and crime novels. When a character is not the genuine culprit, the reader assumes they are. Unbeknownst to the reader, the major suspect is someone else.

One story's conflict may take numerous forms. Relationships between two people are very prevalent. These individuals push one another to excel and compete for success. The battle may confuse readers because it is often an internal conflict. One source of tension in the novel is the protagonist's possible disagreement with accepted norms.

The struggle between humanity and the natural world is another recurrent theme in fiction. To live, the protagonist of a short story may have to combat the elements: storms, animals, natural disasters, and potentially some of these forces. The main character in "The Old Man and the Sea" spends days at sea in a small boat. The main character of yet another short story is stranded on an island with a tiger. Both narratives show how challenging it is to strike a balance between human wants and the needs of the natural world.

Remember the reader's perspective when crafting short stories. Readers prefer personalities and situations with which they can identify. The concept of story relatability has many practical applications in the world of literature, from genre mashups to works reflecting many facets of human experience.

A short narrative can be made more accessible through a variety of methods. Behavior modification and care for the character can help in this respect. To a large extent, viewers of "The Shape of Water" will be able to relate to the fish-man protagonist. Even though most moviegoers have never met a fish in real life, many can relate to the character's position as a social outcast whose demands go unfulfilled by human culture. Human authorities punish him harshly, but not necessarily in how it looks.