Key elements to consider in short story evaluation

Short stories offer a unique lens to explore the complexities of the human experience.

Seasoned short story authors — or those looking to jump into the form — should consider improving their skills by evaluating short stories. The process often involves critically examining various characteristics, including character development, narrative structure, and stylistic choices, among other elements.

Learn how to evaluate a short story that resonates with audiences.

A 3 part formula

Break your story into three parts, the same as any other story. These three parts are crucial as they form the backbone of your story’s structure. If the story lacks these three elements, consider adding more words to make it so.

  1. Beginning: Your story should immediately show intent. How does the story start? What is the central event?
  2. Middle: Your story should show growth or conflict on the page as you move the reader forward. Due to the inherent brevity in the form, lean on growth and cultivating a conflict to your advantage. What is the subtext? What events happened in the past that provide backstory? Does it influence the central event?
  3. End: Your story should have a resolution. You don’t have to spell it out for readers; it could immediately end on a surprise event. But think about what kind of ending the story has and how impactful you want it to be.

If you’re reading someone else’s short story, examine the text for these elements. If they’re not immediately clear to you, how would you section the story so that there was a beginning, middle, and end?

The five elements that every short story needs

A reader should be able to identify the following elements when reading your short story. As a writer, it’s your job to ensure that they’re present in the story.

  1. Plot: Describe the plot in a few lines.
  2. Characters: Identify the protagonist, the antagonist, and supporting characters, if any.
  3. Goal: What is the main character’s goal, and what conflict hinders that goal?
  4. Theme: Write down the theme in a single sentence. What is the big revelation, opinion, or message?
  5. Setting: Where and when does the story take place? Does it influence the story?

The art of subjectivity in short story evaluation

Your thoughts and perspectives are invaluable in the evaluation process. When formulating your opinions, elaborate on your reasoning and any personal experiences that might have influenced your views. Use the list below as a starting point:

  1. Author’s style.
  2. Tone of the story.
  3. Use of the senses.
  4. Do you like the story?
  5. Is it coherent?

Is it time for an appraisal?

If you still find short story writing to be challenging, an appraisal might be helpful. An appraisal is an opportunity to receive valuable feedback about the story from a qualified, third-party individual. Finding someone to read your work depends on how far along you are on your writer’s journey.

For authors on a budget, there are options to find beta readers or join a fiction workshop group.


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