Definition of a Short Story

Length:

It appears that there really is no specific length for a short story. Some say it is from 1,000 to 9,000 words, some say it is 1,000 to 20,000 words. One source says 5- 20 pages. However, the most widely used definition is that it is meant to be read in a single sitting.

Structure:

Short stories are set up like most stories, meaning it has an exposition (the part of the story where setting and characters are usually introduced and described), rising action (conflict building up to the most suspenseful part), climax (the most suspenseful part, and the part of most interest), and resolution (the end, where the conflict is resolved). However, because short story is not specifically defined, this structure can differ . Many short stories begin en medias res or "in the middle of things" so that the exposition blends with other parts of the story.

Limited Scope:
A common characteristic in all short stories is that it has limited scope. This means that there are not very many characters included, mostly just focusing on one or two characters. It also means that the setting is usually rather compact, taking place in a small area, and taking place over a shorter amount of time.