A short story is a fundamental genre of narrative prose, typically more concise than a novella or a novel. Writers of short stories are referred to as short story authors, and a collection of such works is known as short fiction. Unlike a novel, which unfolds across multiple storylines, a short story usually focuses on a single plot with a limited number of characters, making it a more compact yet impactful literary form.

The origins of short stories can be traced back to oral folklore, where narratives were passed down as fables, legends, or parables. Compared to more extensive forms of storytelling, short stories often center around a single conflict or theme. Many authors tend to structure their stories in a way that connects them, creating thematic cycles.

Traditionally, short stories were published in literary magazines or periodicals before being compiled into standalone collections. The classic structure of a short story includes three key elements: introduction, climax, and resolution. However, variations exist—especially in 19th-century romantic literature, where an unexpected twist ending became a hallmark of the genre. This surprise element, sometimes referred to as the “falcon twist,” mirrors Aristotle’s concept of recognition and reversal in storytelling.

Now that you have a better understanding of short fiction, enjoy the video below!