Characteristics of Flash Fiction



Characteristics of Flash Fiction

“[Flash fiction] can do in a page what a novel does in two hundred” – Mark Strand

• Length = under 2000 words (generally).

• Has many other names such as: sudden fiction, micro-fiction, short short fiction, etc.

• Abrupt beginning that grabs the reader’s attention.

• Not a lot of emphasis on character development or setting (characters often remain nameless).

• Implicit meaning – more open to interpretation than larger stories, plays, and novels (i.e., more power is given to the reader).

• Plot-driven.

• Emphasizes telling over showing.

• Free of trivial details.

• Every word counts (no “fluff” words or phrases).

• Contains shorter, tighter sentences.

• In most cases, the conflict of the story is not resolved. That is, the story generally ends with the climax.

• The ending is usually open-ended, unexpected, and forces the reader to think.

• Often deals with the human condition.

• Memorable quality.

• Often makes use of humour and/or irony.

• Lack of secondary plots/storylines.

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