Here are the key elements of a short story:
1. Setting - Where and when the story takes place
2. Character(s) - The people or animals in the story
3. Plot - The sequence of events that make up the story, including:
- Exposition - Introduction to characters and setting
- Rising action - Conflict and complications build
- Climax - Peak moment of conflict or crisis
- Falling action - Conflict starts to get resolved
- Resolution - Conflict/crisis is fully resolved
4. Conflict - The main problem or struggle in the story
5. Theme - The central idea or message of the story