Which of the following best describes a short story?

A short story is a narrative that encapsulates a complete story arc with its own characters, setting, and plot, but it accomplishes this in a condensed form, making it much shorter than a novel. This brevity allows for focused storytelling, where themes and character development are explored within a limited number of pages, typically under 20, unlike the more extended exploration typically found in novels.

The characteristics of a short story include a quick setup, climax, and resolution, allowing readers to engage with the narrative in a relatively short time. Therefore, describing a short story as one that is fully developed but significantly shorter than a novel accurately captures its essence and structure.

Other options suggest different forms of literary works that do not align with the definition of a short story, such as long narratives, illustrated children's tales, or theatrical plays, which each have their own specific characteristics and formats.