〈Novel Structure, Narration, Rhetoric, and Psychological Analysis〉–– Introduction to International Novel Works and Theoretical Analysis (Volume I) 5


Part I – Introduction to Novel Creation Methodology 

Part Two, Chapter One

On the Creation of Flash Fiction

I. Definition of Flash Fiction

Flash fiction refers to a fictional genre of extremely short length, typically ranging from a few hundred to about two thousand words. This form emphasizes highly condensed language, conveying a complete plot, distinct characterization, and profound thematic meaning within a very limited space. Although constrained in length, flash fiction still retains the essential elements of traditional fiction, such as conflict, turning points, and climax. Its core principle is to achieve complexity through simplicity—moving or provoking readers within an extremely short reading time.

Characteristics of Flash Fiction:

1. Brevity of Length:
   Flash fiction generally ranges from several hundred to around one thousand words, with common lengths between 500 and 1,000 words. Some of the shortest examples may consist of only a single sentence.
2. Condensed Plot:
   Despite its brevity, flash fiction requires a complete narrative arc, including a beginning, climax, and ending, often centered on a single event or moment that captures the core of the story.
3. Simplified Characterization:
   The number of characters is usually limited, yet vivid personalities or emotional states can be revealed through precise and economical description.
4. Concise Language:
   Flash fiction demands linguistic economy, eliminating redundancy and using refined wording to convey deep meaning and emotion.
5. Strong Emotional Impact:
   Given its limited length, flash fiction must quickly capture the reader’s attention and deliver an immediate emotional shock or intellectual reflection.
6. Profound Implication:
   Through symbolism, metaphor, or twist endings, flash fiction often presents complex ideas or philosophical insights within a short span.

Supplementary Definitions:

1. Timeliness and Efficiency:
   Flash fiction aligns well with the fast pace of modern life, allowing readers to gain literary pleasure or intellectual insight in a brief moment.
2. Diverse Expressive Techniques:
   Despite its short length, flash fiction can employ a wide range of narrative techniques, including flashbacks, symbolism, dialogue, and interior monologue.

Notable Example:

• Franz Kafka, Before the Law:
  A brief narrative that explores humanity’s pursuit of inaccessible authority, rich in philosophical meaning.

In essence, flash fiction is a fictional form that presents a complete story through highly condensed language and minimal length, capable of expressing complex emotions, ideas, and philosophies, and well suited to contemporary readers living in a fast-paced world.

II. Narrative Structure of Flash Fiction

Due to its brevity, the narrative structure of flash fiction is typically streamlined and efficient, focusing on rapid scene establishment and completion through conflict or reversal. Common structural types include:

1. Moment-Capturing Structure
   This structure portrays a specific moment to reveal emotion or situation, allowing readers to glimpse a character’s inner world or life condition through a fleeting instant.

Example:
Ernest Hemingway’s six-word story:
“For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
In just six words, a tragic story unfolds, inviting readers to imagine the emotional conflict and pain beneath the surface.

1. Twist-Ending Structure
   Characterized by sudden reversals at the conclusion, this structure defies reader expectations and creates strong emotional or intellectual impact.

Example:
O. Henry, The Last Leaf:
A dying woman believes she will die when the last leaf falls, only to discover the leaf was painted by a neighbor to inspire her will to live.

1. Suspense Structure
   Through unresolved mysteries and open endings, this structure invites contemplation rather than closure, emphasizing atmosphere over complete plot resolution.

Example:
Raymond Carver, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love:
The story offers no definitive answer about love, instead leaving readers in reflective uncertainty.

1. Allegorical and Symbolic Structure
   Short narratives convey moral, philosophical, or symbolic meaning through typified characters and situations.

Example:
Kafka, Before the Law:
A man waits his entire life to enter the law, only for the door to close upon his death—symbolizing humanity’s relationship with power and fate.

1. Slice-of-Life Structure
   Captures fragments of everyday life to reveal emotional complexity or social absurdity.

Example:
Chekhov, The Chameleon:
A policeman’s shifting attitude toward a dog exposes the absurdity of power and self-interest.

1. Dialogue-Based Structure
   The story unfolds almost entirely through dialogue, revealing relationships, conflict, and unspoken tension.

Example:
Raymond Carver, Vitamins:
Through dialogue alone, the story exposes underlying relational strain.

1. Single-Issue Structure
   Focuses on one central event or problem, developing insight or resolution around it.

Example:
Jorge Luis Borges, The Aleph:
A moment of seeing the entire universe raises questions about human limitations in understanding infinity.

1. Interior Monologue Structure
   Presents the protagonist’s thoughts to reveal psychological conflict or emotional eruption.

Example:
Virginia Woolf, The Mark on the Wall:
Observing a mark on the wall leads to a stream of inner reflection on reality and self-awareness.

1. Social Satire Structure
   Uses concise narratives to critique social phenomena, political systems, or human weaknesses.

Example:
Guy de Maupassant, The Necklace:
A woman’s vanity leads to years of hardship, only to discover the necklace was fake.

Flash fiction is renowned for its compact structure and its ability to generate strong emotional or philosophical resonance within limited space.

III. Narrative Techniques in Flash Fiction

Although brief, flash fiction can convey profound emotion and thought through diverse narrative techniques:

1. Direct Narration
   Events are described plainly and objectively, emphasizing plot progression over psychological depth.

Examples:
Chekhov, The Chameleon; Misery

1. Interior Monologue
   Directly presents a character’s inner thoughts and emotions.

Example:
Woolf, The Mark on the Wall

1. Dialogue-Driven Narrative
   Advances the story primarily through dialogue.

Example:
Hemingway, Hills Like White Elephants

1. Symbolic and Metaphorical Narrative
   Uses symbols to express deeper themes.

Example:
Kafka, Before the Law

1. Fragmentary Narrative
   Reveals the story through isolated moments.

Example:
Hemingway’s six-word story

1. Reversal Narrative
   Builds toward an unexpected ending.

Examples:
O. Henry, The Cop and the Anthem; The Last Leaf

1. Detail-Focused Narrative
   Emphasizes meaningful details to convey broader emotion or theme.

Example:
Isaac Babel, My First Goose

1. Flashback Narrative
   Begins with an outcome and moves backward to reveal causes.

Examples:
Kafka, The Judgment

1. Elliptical Narrative
   Omits key information, requiring reader inference.

Examples:
Carver, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love; A Small, Good Thing

1. Suspense Narrative
   Leaves mysteries unresolved.

Example:
Chekhov, The House with the Mezzanine

1. Allegorical Narrative
   Conveys moral or philosophical meaning through metaphor.

Example:
Borges, The Aleph

Through these techniques, flash fiction achieves emotional depth and thematic complexity within minimal space.

IV. Core Elements of Flash Fiction

The main components of flash fiction include plot, character, theme, setting, and narrative technique. Despite its brevity, each element remains essential.

1. Plot
   Centered on a single event or conflict.

Example:
Lei Xiang, A Sudden Rain

1. Character
   Limited in number but vividly portrayed.

Example:
Chen Qufei, No Turning Back

1. Theme
   Often explores loneliness, love, loss, or hope.

Example:
Lei Xiang, Children Outside the Window

1. Setting
   Provides spatial and temporal context.

Example:
Chen Qufei, The Last Station

1. Narrative Technique
   Includes direct narration, dialogue, interior monologue, flashback, and more.

In conclusion, flash fiction employs refined language and compact structure to integrate plot, character, theme, setting, and narrative technique. Whether in the works of Lei Xiang, Chen Qufei, or contemporary online flash fiction, the skillful orchestration of these elements enables short texts to carry profound meaning and emotional resonance.

V. Classical Protagonists, Supporting Characters (Allies, Mentors), and Antagonists in Microfiction

In microfiction, character construction is typically concise yet layered. Classical character types include the protagonist, supporting characters (allies and mentors), and antagonists. Below is a detailed discussion of these character types, accompanied by well-known examples of online microfiction.

1. Protagonist

The protagonist is the core of the story and usually bears the primary conflict and narrative development. In microfiction, protagonists often possess a sharply defined personality or a specific psychological state that readily resonates with readers.

Example:
Hemingway’s Six-Word Story: Although the protagonist is not explicitly described, the line “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” suggests a parent who has lost a child. Through context alone, the story conveys profound emotional depth. Without direct narration, the situation reveals the character’s inner struggle.

2. Supporting Character (Ally)

Supporting characters typically assist the protagonist and help advance the plot. The presence of allies adds meaning and depth to the protagonist’s journey.

Example:
Jorge Luis Borges’s The King of the Little Kingdom: The king serves as an ally to the protagonist. Through their interaction, themes of power and responsibility are explored. Although the cast is limited, the king’s wisdom and support play a crucial role in shaping the protagonist’s decisions.

3. Supporting Character (Mentor)

Mentors guide the protagonist’s growth by imparting wisdom, knowledge, or support. In microfiction, mentors often symbolize insight or experience and help the protagonist overcome obstacles.

Example:
Haruki Murakami’s The Story of the Mummy: The elderly figure functions as a mentor, conveying life philosophy through brief dialogue. Despite the story’s brevity, the mentor exerts a significant influence on the protagonist’s development.

4. Antagonist

Antagonists generate conflict with the protagonist and are key drivers of narrative tension. Their presence intensifies the story’s dramatic force.

Example:
The online microfiction The Hunter and the Prey: The hunter is the protagonist, while the prey functions as a symbolic antagonist. Though voiceless, the prey’s existence and resistance place the hunter in a moral dilemma, heightening narrative tension.

In microfiction, classical character configurations not only propel the plot but also express theme and emotion through condensed interaction. Whether protagonist, ally, mentor, or antagonist, each role is essential within the limited space, helping readers grasp the story’s depth and meaning. These examples demonstrate how microfiction achieves meaningful character construction through extreme economy.

VI. Characteristics of Microfiction

Microfiction is a literary form that conveys stories through brevity and refinement, typically limited to fewer than 1,000 words. Its narrative features include the following aspects:

1. Concise Narrative Structure

Microfiction employs streamlined plot structures that rapidly introduce conflict and characters. The narrative often centers on a single core event or emotional moment to achieve strong impact.

Example:
Borges’s The Library of Babel, though short, presents an apparently simple premise that reveals infinite knowledge and human insignificance, provoking profound philosophical reflection.

2. Profound Characterization

Given length constraints, microfiction relies on precise description and dialogue to quickly establish character psychology and inner conflict.

Example:
Raymond Carver’s Cathedral portrays loneliness and growth through dialogue between the protagonist and a blind man. Though the plot is simple, the emotional and cognitive transformation is deeply thought-provoking.

3. Expressive Language

Microfiction emphasizes concise yet powerful language, often employing metaphor, symbolism, and exaggeration to deepen emotional resonance.

Example:
In Haruki Murakami’s Honey and Clover, delicate metaphors depict subtle interpersonal relationships, infusing everyday scenes with emotional and symbolic significance.

4. Open-Ended Conclusions

Many microfictions adopt open endings, leaving space for reader imagination and reflection, enhancing the story’s lasting appeal.

Example:
Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities presents a series of imagined cities reflecting human dreams and realities. Each description invites readers to rethink the concept of “city” itself.

5. Thematic Concentration

Microfiction typically focuses on a single theme or emotional core, conveying deep reflection or social critique within limited space.

Example:
Guy de Maupassant’s The Necklace explores vanity and poverty through a single incident. Despite its brevity, the theme is profound and enduring.

Through concise structure, deep characterization, expressive language, open endings, and thematic focus, microfiction successfully conveys complex emotions and ideas within tight word limits, making it both compelling and challenging as a literary form.

VII. How to Begin Writing Microfiction

Although brief, microfiction requires careful design and planning. The following guidelines may help writers get started:

1. Determine the Theme or Core Idea
   Choose a simple yet profound theme such as love, loneliness, dreams, or human nature.
2. Develop the Plot
   Streamline the narrative to focus on a single central event or conflict, with a compelling beginning, development, and reflective ending.
3. Focus on Characters
   Select one or two main characters and define their traits and motivations clearly through dialogue and action.
4. Use Vivid Language
   Employ concise, expressive language. Avoid excessive description; rely on details, metaphor, and symbolism.
5. Create a Strong Opening
   Begin with an arresting scene, line of dialogue, or question that captures attention immediately.
6. Design an Unexpected Ending
   Consider an open ending or narrative twist that encourages emotional or philosophical reflection.
7. Limit Word Count
   Set a limit, typically between 300 and 1,000 words, to maintain focus and precision.
8. Revise Multiple Times
   Edit for conciseness, coherence, and authenticity. Every word must serve the story.
9. Seek Feedback
   Share your work with peers, writing groups, or online communities for constructive input.
10. Read Excellent Microfiction
    Study outstanding examples to analyze structure, language, and characterization.

Through persistent practice and revision, writers can convey rich emotion and thought within minimal space.

VIII. How to Create an Outstanding Microfiction: Writing Plans and Examples

Crafting an effective microfiction requires precision and technique. Below is a detailed writing plan, illustrated with the online microfiction The Last Letter.

(I) Writing Plan for The Last Letter

1. Determine Theme and Core Idea

• Theme: Love, loneliness, growth, regret.
• Core Idea: The primary emotion or message conveyed.

Example:
The Last Letter centers on love and regret, depicting reflection after the loss of a loved one.

2. Create Characters

• Protagonist: Clearly defined with concise yet expressive traits.
• Supporting Characters: One or two figures who enrich emotional depth.

Example:
The protagonist mourns a deceased lover; a friend helps guide emotional recovery.

3. Plot Structure

• Beginning: Introduce context and conflict through a striking scene.
• Conflict: Present the central dilemma swiftly.
• Climax and Ending: Deliver an unexpected or contemplative conclusion.

Example:
The protagonist discovers personal belongings, culminating in an unsent letter that reflects memory and future contemplation.

4. Use Vivid Language

Employ metaphor, symbolism, and expressive phrasing.

Example:
“The ring shimmered with old warmth, like her gentle smile.”

5. Create an Emotional Twist

Introduce an unexpected discovery or revelation.

Example:
A letter reveals the lover’s enduring affection and concern.

6. Emphasize Emotional Resonance

Use subtle psychological depiction to evoke empathy.

7. Revise Repeatedly

Ensure concision, coherence, and authenticity.

8. Seek Feedback

Share with peers or communities to refine the work.

Through clear themes, well-designed characters, vivid language, and narrative twists, writers can craft compelling microfiction.

(II) Writing Plan for A Love Letter at Sea

This example illustrates how narrative elements can be integrated:

1. Theme Selection: Love, loneliness, reunion
2. Character Design:
3. • Protagonist: Chen Qufei, nostalgic
   • Supporting Character: Chen Nianfei, daughter of Xiufeng, introducing emotional depth
4. Plot Construction: Retirement, letters, reunion, emotional climax
5. Emotional Development: Inner monologue, dialogue, memory
6. Incorporating Fantasy Elements: Parthenogenesis and mystery
7. Narrative Style: First-person perspective
8. Revision and Feedback: Continuous refinement
9. Reader Engagement: Sharing and discussion

By following this structured approach, writers can systematically construct compelling microfiction that resonates deeply with readers.