One element is the unexpected behavior of people or animals. I remember a story where a cat chased a dog instead of the other way around. It was so strange and funny. Also, misunderstandings can create humor. For example, when you mishear what someone says and respond in a completely wrong way. And cultural differences can add humor too. When a foreigner tries to do a traditional local activity but does it all wrong in an endearing way.
Mistakes often make for humorous stories. Imagine you're baking a cake and accidentally put salt instead of sugar. The end result is a disaster but makes for a great story. Another element is absurd situations. For instance, you go to the wrong house thinking it's a party and start making yourself at home until the real owners come back. And then there's the element of timing. If things happen at just the right moment, it can be hilarious, like a joke told at the perfect time during a dull conversation.
Surprise is a big one. For example, in the story about the man seeing spots and the doctor's reply, the unexpected response from the doctor makes it funny. It's not what you would normally expect in that situation.
Relatability can make a humorous story great. If people can see themselves or others in the situation described in the story, they are more likely to find it funny. For example, a story about a student trying to cram for an exam at the last minute and all the crazy things they do in the process, many students can relate to that and thus find it humorous.
Loss is a big element. For example, losing a loved one like a parent or a partner. Another is unfulfilled dreams. Just like the person who always wanted to be an artist but never had the chance. Also, loneliness can make a life story sad. When someone has no friends or family to rely on, like an old person living alone with no one to talk to.
Surprise is a key element. For example, if a character is expected to do one thing but does the exact opposite in a really unexpected way, it can be very funny. Like a strict teacher suddenly dancing on the table during a class.
Well, awkwardness can be really funny. Like the old lady trying to reach the cereal and a little kid coming to the rescue in a rather unorthodox way. Also, when people overreact or underreact in a situation. If the man in the coffee shop had just calmly let the cat walk on the keyboard without any fuss, it would have been equally funny. And of course, misunderstandings can create really humorous situations.
One element is a feeling of being watched. When you get that creepy sensation that someone or something has its eyes on you, but you can't see what it is. It's very unsettling. Danger also plays a part. If you're in a situation where you feel your safety is at risk, like being lost in a dangerous neighborhood at night. And the element of the supernatural. Even if you're not a superstitious person, when something seems to defy the laws of nature, it can be really scary. For instance, lights flickering without any electrical problems.
Unusual events that seem to defy explanation can make a real life story scary. Take the case of objects moving on their own in a house. There's no logical reason for it, and it gives people the creeps. Another element is the feeling of being watched when there's no one around.
One element is selflessness. When someone does something for others without expecting anything in return, like a volunteer at a soup kitchen. Another is perseverance. For example, an athlete who overcomes many injuries to achieve their goals. Also, creativity can be an element. A person who comes up with a unique way to solve a community problem, such as creating a mobile library in an area with no library.
One element is overcoming great obstacles. For example, people who grow up in poverty and manage to become successful in their fields. Their ability to rise above difficult circumstances makes their stories remarkable.
One element is selflessness. For example, when someone sacrifices their own comfort or resources to help others, like in the story of the boy and the stray dog. Another element is perseverance. In a story where a person overcomes great difficulties to achieve something good, it becomes touching. Also, unexpected kindness, like the old lady making hot chocolate for the school children, can make a story very moving.