Vladimir Galaktionovich Korolenko (1853-1921) reigned high in popularity in pre-revolutionary Russia as a writer of short fiction until his contemporary, Anton Chekhov, out-ranked him in the 1880s. This study examines Korolenko's fiction and highlights his contribution to short story writing. His talents synchronized descriptions of nature, landscape and surroundings with mood and action. He uncovered the guiding moral strength in heroes, notwithstanding their social standing. Although Korolenko continued classic Russian literary traditions, he was an original thinker motivated to write by his own compassion and search for justice for those who were defenseless.