Short stories can take on any number of forms: anecdotes, drabbles and dribbles, fables, feghoots, parables, etc. The common denominator in each of those types of writing, though, is that they center on a plot being presented to the reader. It doesn't have to be a structured or overly-detailed narrative, but there should be some element of a plot. For example: a three-act structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Or any of the more ambitious story structures if you're so inclined.


Vignettes, on the other hand, are defined by their lack of a plot, instead opting to focus more on things like vivid imagery, capturing a specific moment in time, etc. There isn't as much of a focus on a setup and resolution as there is in a traditional short story. FUN FACT: Vignettes can be contained within a larger work (even a short story!), but a short story with a plot cannot be contained inside a vignette.