Here's a breakdown of key characteristics:
* Extreme brevity: The defining feature is the tiny word count, often measured in sentences rather than pages.
* Focused narrative: Microfiction aims to deliver a complete story in the shortest possible space, leaving no room for unnecessary details.
* Strong impact: Despite its brevity, microfiction aims to leave a lasting impression on the reader, using powerful imagery, unexpected twists, or emotional resonance.
* Variety of forms: Microfiction can be found in various forms, from single sentences to short paragraphs, even poems, tweets, or even just an image.
Examples of microfiction:
* "The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock at the door." (This famous example by Fredric Brown encapsulates a complete story in just two sentences)
* A single image of a lone figure walking towards a setting sun, carrying a suitcase. (This visual microfiction conveys a whole narrative through a single image)
Microfiction challenges writers to be economical with their words, crafting impactful stories in a limited space. It offers a unique opportunity to explore themes, emotions, and ideas in a concentrated way.