Tip #1: Fewer Characters – More than TWO is Crowd
The golden rule for selecting characters in short story is "Fewer are better". A short story would more effectively convey its meaning if it has very few characters – one protagonist, one other main character and no supporting or side characters would be ideal.
Which story in the above examples did you found easier to understand? Is your answer "Both"? Let's demystify it in next tips for How to Write Short Stories. But once again remember the golden rule "Fewer characters are better".