• limited number of characters, often only one main character (=protagonist) and little/no character development (cf. novels e.g. by Charles Dickens with over 20 main characters)
• limited time span: only a few hours, days or weeks (cf. novels that cover a whole lifetime or even several generations)
• a single theme/plot (cf. novels that can deal with several/many themes and can have various sub-plots)

• Exposition: introduction of main character(s) and setting (place, time, general social background), hints at theme and/or atmosphere; often no or very short exposition: story begins “in medias res”, e.g. in the middle of a dialogue
• Rising action: development of the conflict
• Climax: conflict reaches its highest point
• [Turning point: a change in the conflict]
• [Falling action: reduction of suspense]
• Ending
  • Denouement: conflict is resolved
  • Open ending: conflict is not resolved, reader wonders what might happen next
  • Surprise ending: reader’s expectations are not fulfilled

[these elements are not always present]