Kortprosa

Kortprosa is a literary term referring to prose fiction that is significantly shorter than a traditional short story. It occupies a space between a very short story and a prose poem, often characterized by its conciseness, fragmented nature, and focus on atmosphere or a single moment rather than a complex plot.

The definition of kortprosa can be fluid, but common characteristics include a lack of extensive character development, minimal exposition, and an emphasis on suggestive imagery or lyrical language. It often relies on implication and the reader's interpretation to fill in narrative gaps. The brevity of kortprosa necessitates a high degree of precision in language, with every word carrying significant weight.

While not a strictly defined genre with rigid rules, kortprosa is recognized for its experimental qualities and its ability to distill narrative or emotional essence into a compact form. Authors may employ techniques such as stream of consciousness, elliptical narrative, or a focus on sensory details to achieve the desired effect. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with "flash fiction" or "microfiction," though subtle distinctions in emphasis or stylistic approach may exist. Kortprosa challenges traditional narrative structures and invites a different kind of reading experience, one that is often more immediate and impressionistic.