Mushtaque B Barq
Stake means what is in profiting or losing by it: what the protagonist stands for (gain or lose) that can be the emotional, physical, moral, or even existential investment that drives conflict, creates tension, and keeps the reader glued to the narrative.
Stakes make the story powerful and urgent, to which all actions and decisions become heavily weighed and significant. Stakes, in short stories, no less are seen as momentum into which the story pushes. It puts on fire the narrative, beholding urgency and emotional engagement. What the character stands to gain or lose starkly shapes the story’s arc and its impact on the reader. Stakes are the foundation of narrative tension and engagement. No risk can be defined in the story, hence no loss or gain for a protagonist; the narrative eventually becomes flat, directionless and doesn’t engage one emotionally.
The audience would get bored, as if found meaningless or boring. Stakes ground the reader’s emotional engagement; it creates and propels tension in the story. It leads into resolution proper, and it lingers after the story has ended. When a story lacks a satisfactory conclusion, it evokes a sense of an unfinished end.
The Importance of Stakes in Short Stories
Stakes in a story refer to what is at risk—what the main character stands to gain or lose. These stakes can be physical (life or safety), emotional (relationships and feelings), moral (choices between right and wrong), or existential (questions about life and identity). Stakes create conflict and tension, making a story more engaging for the reader. Without strong stakes, a story can feel flat, uninteresting, and meaningless.
In short stories, every word matters, so stakes play an even bigger role. They push the story forward, making every decision and event feel urgent and important. When a character has something to win or lose, the reader becomes more invested in the outcome. If there is nothing at risk, the story loses its purpose and emotional impact.
Types of Stakes in Short Stories
Physical Stakes – These involve danger to life, safety, or well-being.
Example: In “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, a man is hunted for sport, and his survival is at stake.
Example (Kashmiri Literature): In “Shabnam” (The Dewdrop) by Akhtar Mohiuddin, the protagonist struggles with the harsh realities of life in a conflict-ridden land, where survival itself is a challenge. The story highlights the fragile nature of human existence amidst political turmoil.
Emotional Stakes – These involve love, loss, or personal relationships.
Example: In “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, a couple sacrifices their most valuable possessions to buy gifts for each other, showing deep emotional stakes.
Example (Kashmiri Literature): In “Agaenz” (The Fire Pit) by Hari Krishna Kaul, a woman faces emotional turmoil due to forced migration, leaving behind her home, memories, and loved ones. The pain of displacement forms the emotional core of the story.
Moral Stakes – These involve ethical decisions and inner conflicts.
Example: In “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator struggles with guilt after committing a crime.
Example (Kashmiri Literature): In “Raah” (The Path) by Amin Kamil, a man must decide whether to betray his principles for personal gain. The story explores the internal conflict between morality and survival.
Example: In “Sonzal” (Rainbow) by Ghulam Nabi Firaq, the protagonist faces a choice between standing up for justice or surrendering to oppression, highlighting a deep moral dilemma.
Existential Stakes – These involve questions about identity, purpose, and reality.
Example: In “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, a man wakes up as an insect, losing his sense of self.
Example (Kashmiri Literature): In “Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir” by Malik Sajad, a young boy growing up in conflict constantly questions his identity, his future, and the meaning of his existence in a war-torn society.
Example: “Tale of a City” (translated from Kashmiri) by Akhtar Mohiuddin explores the existential crisis of a city and its people, torn between past and present, memory and loss.
How Stakes Create Tension
Stakes create tension by making the reader care about the outcome. If the character has nothing to lose, the story feels dull. A good short story builds suspense by constantly reminding the reader what is at risk.
For example, in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the tension builds as the town follows a strange tradition, only for the reader to realize that a life is at stake. Similarly, many Kashmiri stories focus on the dangers and hardships of living in a place affected by war, making the reader feel the tension of each moment.
In “Kath” (The Scar) by Akhtar Mohiuddin, the story revolves around the trauma of war, where each character is shaped by the violence they have endured. The emotional and existential stakes make it deeply unsettling.
In “Yeli Wothwaan Gatchi” (When the Frost Melts) by Ghulam Nabi Shakir, the protagonist lives in constant fear of an uncertain future, reflecting the tension and despair of an entire generation.
The Impact of Stakes on the Ending
The way a story ends depends on how the stakes are resolved. If the stakes are handled well, the ending feels satisfying. But if they are weak, the reader may feel disappointed.
Example: In “The Dead” by James Joyce, the main character realizes the depth of human mortality, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Example (Kashmiri Literature): In “Tsunzar” (The Silence) by Hari Krishna Kaul, the protagonist struggles with the weight of memory and displacement, leaving the reader with a haunting sense of loss and longing.
