Its 1,445-word format reveals a dreary reality where a man’s desire to escape the glow of a television is a highly suspicious activity. Originally published in The Reporter in 1951, “The Pedestrian” is one of Ray Bradbury’s most famous works. Stories that lack description are not satisfying to read, and a flash fiction piece should feel complete. However, a strong piece can balance vivid descriptions with a quick-moving plot. Description: One may think that flash fiction stories are short on description to save space.They may include some character development, but too much backstory can use valuable space. Characters and backstory: Flash fiction pieces are plot-driven and include no more than three or four characters.It allows the writer and reader to focus on the plot. Setting: Most flash fiction stories take place in one setting, as moving between locations uses up too much space.Story structure: A flash fiction story is not the shortened version of a longer story it still follows the elements of plot, including a beginning, middle and end, as well as a conflict and satisfying resolution.Here are some traits of strong flash fiction stories. Flash fiction is shorter, but it should not feel too short. If you’re writing a flash fiction story, it’s important to know how they are similar-and different-to longer stories.