FLASH FICTION
conflict and satisfying resolution.
FLASH FICTION
 A flash fiction, also known as short-short
story, typically contains less than 1000
words which is most often used to
describe short casual written works.
 Flash fiction may be written in any
genre, the most famous ones are in
romance, thriller, horror and sci-fi.
 Even with only a number of words, a
flash fiction also bears the essential
elements of a short story.
 A flash fiction is similar to a short story is
some ways. Both tell a complete story
with a beginning, middle and end with
the elements of storytelling in place.
FLASH FICTION VS SHORT STORY
CHARACTERISTICS OF FLASH FICTION
1. Story Structure
 A flash fiction story is not the shortened
version of a longer story; it still follows
the elements of plot, including a
beginning, middle and end, as well as a
2. Setting
 Most flash fiction stories take place in
one setting, as moving between
locations uses up too much space. It
allows the writer and reader to focus on
the plot.
3. Characters and Backstory
 Flash fiction pieces are plot-driven and
include no more than three or four
characters. They may include some
character development, but too much
backstory can use valuable space.
4. Description
 One may think that flash fiction stories
are short on description to save space.
However, a strong piece can balance
vivid descriptions with a quick moving
plot. Stories that lack description are not
satisfying to read, and a flash fiction
piece should feel complete.
THE PLOT
Every written story has a plot- the series
of events and characters’ actions that includes
a beginning, a middle and an end. Also, every
written story has a plot structure or a narrative
arc. Although it is important for a story to have
all its essential elements, the plot is the major
element of all as it is what the story is all about.
The plot is the actual story.
UNIFIED PLOT
A unified plot has a story that is realistic
with a central character and action and the
story happens in one place during a short span
of time - a day, several hours or even just for
an hour.
EPISODIC PLOT
 A story that happens in a much
extended period of time. A writer who employs
the episodic plot frequently uses the technique
of ‘flashback’ to lay out background details of
the story.

THREE WAYS TO WRITE A PLOT

Plot – a movement of time
 The plot is a movement in time when the
story transpires on a particular period of
time such as an hour, a day, a week, a
month or even a year.

Plot – a movement of casualty

 The plot is a movement in casualty

when the story is established on a series
of casual events that happen one after
another.

Plot – a movement of dramatic tension

 The plot is a movement in dramatic
tension when the story has dialogue,
action, details, descriptions and scenes
that amplify the tension and persuade
the reader to turn the page and continue
reading. The techniques of
foreshadowing, flashback and epiphany
are oftentimes employed in this type of
plot.