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]