Question

What is a defining characteristic of a short story? A. They have many complex characters. B. There is one main conflict that the main character faces. C. There are many smaller conflicts that build upon one another. D. a short story is always based on stories that actually happened.

Answer 1

B. There is one main conflict that the main character faces.

A short story has a simple plot line with few characters. This allows the story to be short. An example of a short story is "The Most Dangerous Game". The main character Rainsford ends up stranded on Ship Trap Island. He meets General Zaroff who has found that hunting people makes for the best hunting experience. In order to leave the island, Rainsford must survive on the island for three days without being killed by General Zaroff who is hunting him. This is a simple plot line as the only real conflict Rainsford faces is the General.

Novels can have many complex characters and smaller conflicts that build upon one another. The statement that a short story is always based on stories that actually happened is simply not true.

Answer 2

Probably B, there is one main conflict that the main character faces.