The contrast often makes it interesting. Like the dog digging. It's just a small dog but has such big determination compared to its size. And the fact that it found an old bone after all that digging is a contrast to the seemingly pointless task at first. This contrast in the story of persistence is what makes it funny.
The human or animal's unique personality. In the case of the student bad at math, his willingness to keep asking basic questions despite potential embarrassment shows his unique personality. His tenacity in the face of his classmates' laughter is part of what makes the story of his persistence funny. The more unique the personality, the more interesting the story of persistence.
The unexpectedness. For example, in the story of the man wearing the same socks, no one expected someone to be so persistent about such a strange thing. That's what makes it funny and interesting.
Well, one element is the contrast between the initial difficulty and the final success. For example, in the sandcastle story, the waves constantly knocking down the castle but then it finally being built is a great contrast. Another is the unexpectedness. Maybe the character tries a really strange way to be persistent and it still works. Like the man learning guitar might have used some unorthodox practice methods but still got good.
Surprise is a big element. Like when you expect one thing to happen and then something completely different and frustrating occurs. For example, if you're all set to go on a picnic and then it starts pouring rain right when you step outside. It's frustrating but also has that element of surprise that makes it funny.
Surprise is a big element. For example, in a story when a person who seems very serious suddenly does something completely unexpected like a prim and proper lady suddenly dancing a wild samba in the middle of the street. It catches you off - guard and makes you laugh.
The reaction of the person being harassed also matters. If they overreact in a comical way or are very calm about a really strange form of harassment, it adds to the humor. Say, if someone is being harassed by a bunch of squirrels stealing their picnic food and they start talking to the squirrels like they are naughty children, that's hilarious.
One element is the unexpectedness. For example, when an animal shows loyalty in a way that surprises us. Like a cat that stays by the side of its sick owner instead of running away as we might expect. Another is the perseverance involved. If a person is loyal through tough times, like a friend who stays loyal to someone who has made mistakes and is being shunned by others.
Surprise is a big element. For example, when you think you've lost something forever and then suddenly realize it was right in front of you all along. That unexpected moment of realization makes it funny.
The unexpected mood swings are a big part. For example, one moment they're super excited about a simple thing like a flower, and the next moment they might be completely indifferent or even negative towards it. It's this sudden shift that catches people off - guard and can be quite humorous in a way.
Surprise elements are key. For example, when something unexpected like a false alarm about a 'ghost' in the night turns out to be something silly. It catches people off - guard and makes them laugh.
The unexpected twists are key. For example, in a story where a missing object is thought to be stolen, but it turns out it was just hidden by a mischievous pet. It's like a sudden turn that catches you off - guard and makes you laugh.
The use of humor in difficult situations. In a heroic short story, if a hero uses humor to diffuse a tense situation, like a firefighter making a joke while rescuing someone from a burning building. It not only shows their heroic nature but also adds a touch of fun. It makes the story engaging because it combines two seemingly opposite elements - heroism and humor.