micronarrative

A micronarrative is an extremely brief narrative that conveys a complete moment, scene, or idea. In literary studies and digital storytelling, micronarratives are typically short and are often defined by a word limit ranging from under 100 words to a few hundred words; many practitioners aim for even tighter bounds, such as 100 words or fewer. The form relies on compression and implication, inviting readers to infer backstory and meanings from precise detail. A frequently cited example of ultra-short fiction is the six-word story attributed to Ernest Hemingway: For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.

Characteristic features include a single focus or image, a concise setup, and a compact arc that hints at consequences beyond the text. Language is economical, with concrete detail and openness to interpretation. Micronarratives often use suggestive endings or juxtaposition, relying on reader inference rather than explicit exposition. Some experiments explore typography, fragmentation, or nontraditional structures to heighten immediacy or ambiguity.

Forms and media vary. Many micronarratives are written as short prose, but multimodal variants combine text with images, video, or audio to create a scene or mood in a few seconds. Online platforms, literary journals, and teaching contexts have popularized microfiction, using constraints such as word or character limits to encourage creativity and precision.

Origins of the term are recent and contested, but the practice echoes traditional short-short fiction and other ultra-short forms. The digital era has expanded opportunities for sharing micronarratives, enabling rapid distribution and experimentation. In education and creative writing, micronarratives are used to teach economy of language, scene construction, and the power of implication.

See also microfiction, flash fiction, short-short story.