The characteristics include a sense of surprise. In short funny stories, the end or a key part of the story usually surprises the reader. For instance, in the magician turning into a grocery store, it's completely out of the blue. They also have a light - hearted tone. There's no heavy drama or complex emotions. And they frequently use hyperbole or exaggeration for comedic effect, like the fish getting caught in a net on its way to school which is an exaggerated excuse.
Short funny narrative stories are often characterized by their brevity. They get to the point quickly without a lot of extra fluff. They also tend to have a relatable element. The story about the naughty boy swallowing a coin is relatable in the sense that kids do silly things. And humor in these stories can come from absurdity. The snail thinking it can drive fast and people will see a red blur is absurd and that's what makes it funny.
One characteristic is their brevity. They can convey a complete story in a relatively short space. For example, they often have a simple plot structure, like a single event or a short series of events. Another is the focus on a main character or a small group of characters. This allows for in - depth exploration of their personalities or situations in a concise way. Also, they usually have a clear theme, such as love, loss, or the human condition.
Nonfiction narrative short stories are based on real events or experiences. They often have a clear structure, like a beginning, middle and end. For example, in a memoir - style short story, it starts with an introduction to the situation or period in the author's life, then moves on to the main events, and finally may end with a reflection or conclusion. They also tend to use vivid descriptions to make the real events more engaging, just like how a good travelogue - type nonfiction short story would describe the places in detail.
One characteristic is the use of a dark or gloomy setting. For example, it might be set in a desolate forest or an abandoned building. This immediately sets a somber mood.
One characteristic is the ability to convey a strong theme or message in a short space. In 'The Lottery', it makes us question the blind following of traditions. Another is the use of vivid language. Stories like 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' use descriptive words to create a strange and fascinating world. And most good short narrative stories have a satisfying or thought - provoking ending that stays with the reader.
In 2nd person narrative short stories, there is often a strong sense of identification. The reader is more likely to project themselves into the story. This can be used to great effect in stories that aim to make the reader reflect on certain behaviors or situations. For instance, in a story about a difficult moral choice, the use of 'you' makes the reader consider what they would do in that situation more deeply, as they are put in the shoes of the character facing the choice.
One characteristic is a strong sense of the narrator's voice. In 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator's cold and vengeful voice draws the reader in. Another is a focus on personal experiences or emotions. 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor shows the grandmother's personal journey and her complex emotions. Also, these stories often have a unique perspective, like in 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka, where the narrator wakes up as a giant insect, giving a very different view of the world.
One characteristic is a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, in 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Edgar Allan Poe, the gloomy and decaying setting immediately sets a spooky mood. Another is an unreliable narrator. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's erratic behavior and self - justifications add to the horror. And often, there are unexpected twists, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the wishes don't turn out as expected.
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.