What is the difference between a play and a story?

Question

I have to write a play and short story for class but I do not know the format, or how to start off writing it. I am looking for suggestions or critques when should the plot or conflict should begin.

Answer 1

Plays have a different format than short stories. They are typically divided into acts. Have a list of characters. And they take the form of dialogue. And you may or may not be expected to give stage directions or describe the scenes. Think scripts.

Character 1: Hey, My name is...
Character 2: Hi, I'm ....

Short stories are written in prose (normal paragraphs). They can vary in length and style. Some stories take a couple of paragraphs or even a page and a half to set up the story and provide background before beginning the plot/conflict. Others jump right in from the very beginning. It really depends on what your story is as to how fast you should plunge into the action.