Another characteristic is simplicity. They often have a simple plot that can be easily understood. A short and simple situation like the snail getting mugged by turtles is easy to grasp and the absurdity of it is what makes it funny. The humor doesn't rely on complex setups or long explanations. Just a quick and simple scenario that tickles your funny bone.
They are brief. Usually, just a few sentences can tell the whole story. For example, 'A frog wanted to be a prince. He kissed a lot of things but just got warts.' It gets to the funny point quickly without a lot of build - up.
They are concise. Usually, they convey a complete idea or a small moment in just a few sentences or paragraphs.
They are concise. They often rely on a single, powerful image or idea like a sudden noise in the dark. For example, 'I saw a face at the window. Then it was gone.'
Well, they often rely on common fears such as the unknown or things that go against the natural order. In an extremely short scary story, it might be something like 'The clock stopped at midnight. Then I heard a strange ticking from inside the wall.' It plays on our fear of the unexpected in a small space.
Intertextuality is also common. These short stories often reference other works of literature, art, or culture. They can borrow elements from different sources and remix them in a new and unexpected way. This creates a rich tapestry of allusions and connections that add depth to the short, postmodern form.
They often involve unexpected elements. In the story of the boy painting his dog, the unexpected action of the boy made it funny. The dog's appearance after being painted was not what one would expect. Also, they tend to have characters with some kind of quirk, like the clumsy magician. Their flaws or unique behaviors lead to humorous situations.
They are brief. Usually, they can be told in just a few sentences. For example, 'Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.' It gets to the funny part quickly without a lot of build - up.
Funny and short stories are often characterized by unexpected twists. For example, in the story of the panda in the restaurant, the punchline about 'eats shoots and leaves' is completely unexpected. They also usually have simple settings and characters. A short story about a cat chasing its tail doesn't need a complex world - building. And they are quick to tell and easy to remember, like the joke about the magician turning into a grocery store. You can share these stories easily in a short conversation and make people laugh right away.
They usually have an unexpected twist. Take the story of the cat who thought he was a dog. He chased his tail just like a dog, but then got dizzy and remembered he was a cat. The sudden realization at the end makes it funny. They also tend to play on words or common situations in a unique way.
They are short, which makes them easy to read in a short time. Just a quick laugh.