Focus on the Character in Your Short Story

When writing short stories, focus is the key. There is not a lot of room for excessive detail, strong character description, and the normal polish and shine of a novel. The basic of the short story is that there is a beginning, middle, and an end. So, how do you create your plot from this short focus?

The classic version of a short story follows these guidelines:

Setting the stage

This is the 'who and where' stage. Where does the story take place and who is the main character? Define these and then enter the complication. Who or what interferes with the normal progression of life.

The Action

This is the middle part of the short story. The action begins as complication enters the story. What happens? What are the implications to the main character and what is his or her reaction?

The Climax and Resolution

This is the end of the story. The events set into motion by the complication resulted in the action phase, the direction of the character has changed from the beginning phase and now the culmination of those events must be achieved. What will happen to the main character, how he or she will be changed and will life return to normal. Following the climax is the resolution. This is usually a one or two paragraph wrap-up that briefly describes a new understanding or belief the main character has achieved through the events of the story.

Let us use an example to display the use of the focusing described above. In a murder mystery, setting the stage would show people are going about their daily life. Typical of an opening scene of your favorite television program.

The complication would appear as some passerby notices a dead body and calls the police. Followed by the action of the police tracking down the identity of the victim and reasons for murder. A suspect is located and a trial is underway.

The climax is evident as the proof of guilt, or innocence, is delivered. Often in the courtroom. The resolution, or wrap-up, is a brief scene in which the main characters (police or attorneys) make comments on the culmination of the story and may describe what happens after the trial. At this point, the story ends.

Writing short stories is all about focus. Either focus on the events, or focus on the character. In novel length stories, plot becomes the focus as the story is drawn out over a length of time. Have very little time to 'make a point'; short stories often focus on the phases, or events, of the story.