Short story writers often provide an ironic twist at the end of the plot. An ironic twist involves an event or outcome which contradicts the predicted outcome. Read carefully, and you will discover the clues the writer leaves to help you anticipate the outcome.

The qualities of each character can be revealed through dialogue, action, character comments, narrator comments, and inferences. Look for these details so you will be able to create a mental picture of each character. Main characters are round characters; writers present both positive and negative characteristics of the main character. Writers may only reveal specific traits of minor characters. Minor characters are referred to as flat characters. Try to distinguish round characters from flat characters. Also, try to list adjectives that describe each character.

The mood of many short stories is usually established after the first two or three paragraphs. You should be able to describe the mood. It helps to be aware of how the writer creates the mood. Is it the setting that contributes mostly to the mood?

Short stories usually express only one theme. It may be stated or you may need to infer it. Look for repetition of words, phrases, or events to help you infer the theme.