BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
I've read a decent amount of short fiction lately, and a lot of them follow a similar pattern:
Characters are introduced. Random situation coms up. Situation is resolved. Story ends.
I read one of those, and, even if the writing is good enough to keep my interest, I feel unsatisfied at the end. To me, it feels like a scene rather than an actual story.
Since short stories aren't really something I've researched a lot, I figured I'd put the question before the forum: what makes a short story an actual story rather than simply a scene?
Rarely one to have no thoughts on a subject, here are three ways I've found to make a short story more than a scene (Again, I haven't done a ton of research on this subject, and there is no implication intended that these three ways are in any way all-inclusive):
1. Hero's Journey - The story is part of the Hero's Journey and either summarizes the other portions or leads into the next portion. For example, the short story is the call for adventure and ends with the hero leaving on the quest. OR The short story is the Quest and the Call to Adventure is summarized and ends with the hero about to Return Home.
2. Character Change - The protagonist encounters a situation that leads to a profound character change.
3. Establishment and Resolution of a Significant Situation - The author clearly communicates in the first scene the protagonist's goal. The story ends when the goal is either achieved or the character irrevocably fails to achieve the goal.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
Brian
Characters are introduced. Random situation coms up. Situation is resolved. Story ends.
I read one of those, and, even if the writing is good enough to keep my interest, I feel unsatisfied at the end. To me, it feels like a scene rather than an actual story.
Since short stories aren't really something I've researched a lot, I figured I'd put the question before the forum: what makes a short story an actual story rather than simply a scene?
Rarely one to have no thoughts on a subject, here are three ways I've found to make a short story more than a scene (Again, I haven't done a ton of research on this subject, and there is no implication intended that these three ways are in any way all-inclusive):
1. Hero's Journey - The story is part of the Hero's Journey and either summarizes the other portions or leads into the next portion. For example, the short story is the call for adventure and ends with the hero leaving on the quest. OR The short story is the Quest and the Call to Adventure is summarized and ends with the hero about to Return Home.
2. Character Change - The protagonist encounters a situation that leads to a profound character change.
3. Establishment and Resolution of a Significant Situation - The author clearly communicates in the first scene the protagonist's goal. The story ends when the goal is either achieved or the character irrevocably fails to achieve the goal.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
Brian