Personal narratives are stories people write about experiences they have had; therefore, personal narratives are nonfiction stories. This does not mean that every detail in a personal narrative is exactly true. Some authors may change or distort certain details to enhance the story. Short stories, on the other hand, can be either fiction or nonfiction.
Short stories normally contain at least four key elements: plot, setting, characterization and resolution. A short story, therefore, is a story about one or more characters in a certain setting. The story tells about these characters doing some type of action or activity; typically, the characters encounter a problem of some kind. A short story often ends with the characters resolving the problem or problems that occurred. A short story, in a sense, is a shorter version of a novel, and people usually can read a short story in one sitting.
Writers typically tell a personal narrative using one of several structures. Some writers tell a personal narrative in chronological order; others rely on a flashback sequence. A flashback structure tells a story by beginning in the present and working backwards. Another common structure is a reflective mode, which bases the story around important lessons, feelings and thoughts.
Short stories and personal narratives can virtually be about any subject. They may range from a comedy or humor to horror, romantic or action. Both types of stories should contain descriptive words that allow the reader to imagine or identify with the feelings the characters have in the story. A well-told story makes those reading it feel like they are actually seeing, hearing and experiencing the events in the story.