Showing the Stakes in Flash Fiction and Short Stories
Flash fiction and short stories are like roller coasters: short, exhilarating, and unforgettable. But what makes the ride thrilling? The gamble — the stakes!
Stakes are the emotional, physical, or existential risks that drive a story. They keep readers glued to the page, biting their nails to see what happens next.
So, let’s explore that more. What are stakes?
Stakes are the consequences of a character’s actions or inaction.
Stakes answer the question: What happens if this character fails or succeeds? Without stakes, even the most creative story ideas can fall flat. Stakes don’t just raise tension; stakes make readers care about the outcome.
Stakes in storytelling are the elements that give a story its tension, urgency, and emotional weight. They represent what’s at risk for the characters and can take many forms — personal, emotional, physical, societal, or even existential.
Stakes answers the question: Why should the reader care about what happens?
The Role of Stakes in Storytelling
Creating Tension and Conflict. Stakes drive the conflict in a story. They establish what the characters stand to gain or lose, whether it’s their life, love, reputation, or even their soul. High stakes keep readers invested because they want to see how the conflict will resolve.
Motivating Characters. Stakes fuel character motivations. A protagonist fighting for a clear, compelling goal because of significant stakes — like saving a loved one or redeeming themselves — becomes relatable and engaging.
Driving Plot. Stakes influence the trajectory of a story. They help to shape the plot by giving purpose to the characters’ decisions and actions. The higher or more personal the stakes, the more gripping the narrative becomes.
Establishing Emotional Investment. Stakes tap into universal fears, desires, or dreams, making the reader emotionally invested in the outcome. If readers identify with the stakes, they are more likely to connect deeply with the characters and the story.
Exploring Stakes in Your Story
In short-form fiction, every word counts. You don’t have time to meander or build slow-burning tension. Stakes should be clear and impactful right away. Here’s how you can explore them:
Tie stakes to character goals. What does your character want? What stands in their way? Make the potential fallout personal and meaningful.
Show the consequences. Don’t just tell us what’s at risk — show it. What does failure look like? What does success cost?
Keep it relatable. Even if your story features alien planets or talking raccoons, stakes grounded in universal emotions — like love, fear, or survival — resonate best.
What Happens if Stakes Are Unclear?
If your readers don’t understand what’s at risk, they’ll struggle to connect with the story. Imagine a tale where a character rushes through an obstacle course without explanation. Why are they running? Are they trying to save someone? Win a prize? Stay alive? Without stakes, there’s no urgency, no tension, no reason for readers to care.
Examples of Stakes in Action
The Clock is Ticking. In a flash fiction piece, a scientist must disable a bomb before it destroys a city. The stakes are crystal clear: lives are at risk. But what makes it personal? The scientist’s daughter is in the blast zone. Now, the stakes aren’t just global—they’re heartbreakingly personal.
Emotional Fallout. A short story about a teen deciding whether to come out to their family might not involve explosions, but the stakes are no less gripping. Acceptance, rejection, and the risk of losing relationships make readers invest in the outcome.
Existential Threats. In a surreal tale, a man trapped in a dream must escape before his body dies in the real world. The stakes are life or death, but the twist of time running out in a dreamscape adds tension.
Closing Thoughts
When the stakes are clear, your story becomes a page-turner. Readers must see the risks, feel the tension, and root for your characters.
So, before you hit “publish,” ask yourself: What’s at stake? Is it coming across clearly in the story?
R
