Characterisation

In the microfiction format you have the luxury that characters need not be as complex as in longer forms. Those that appear can be crafted to serve a purpose, and this gives you much finer control over your scene - you know what and who is going in, and you can shape their reactions for the best dramatic effect.

I apply the same thinking to characters as I do scenery. With limited space, every word needs to achieve maximum impact - I lean heavily on images and ideas that are already in the reader's mind. Introduce a character as the quiet son of the boisterous Baron Iridin, and most of your work is already done for you (and more, if you have an imaginative audience).

Set the template, then colour it in. The best way to do this, I think, is through action. Body language, facial expressions, and - most importantly - speech.

"Master Ouran, sir, there's a Mister Turil at the door. He says it's about the Flattops."

"Hey, Ouran? There's a chap called Turil at the door. Spouting something about the Flattops."