Unexpected mistakes often make a story both sad and funny. For example, like the man who tripped over his own feet while running to catch a bus he was already late for. It's sad because he might miss an important appointment, but funny because it's such a silly mistake.
Irony can play a big role. Picture a fitness instructor who is always preaching about healthy eating but gets food poisoning from a salad. It's sad that he's ill, but the irony makes it funny. Also, misunderstandings can create this effect. A person thinking they're going to a surprise party for someone else, but it turns out it's a party for them, and they show up in old, shabby clothes. It's sad they're embarrassed, but funny because of the mix - up.
Betrayal can be a key element. When someone you trust deeply, like a best friend or a partner, betrays you. They might break your confidence or do something that harms you. Another aspect is unfulfilled dreams. A person who has always dreamed of becoming an artist but due to circumstances never gets the chance, that's really sad. Also, loneliness, like an old person in a nursing home with no visitors, can make for a very sad story.
A key element is the contrast between the sad and the funny parts. In a story, if there's a really sad moment like a character getting fired from their dream job, but then there are funny little incidents that follow, like they trip while leaving the office in an embarrassing way. The juxtaposition of these emotions creates a funny sad story. And the characters' reactions also matter. If they can see the humor in a sad situation, it helps. For instance, a person whose car breaks down in the middle of nowhere (sad) but then starts making jokes about being stranded like in a bad movie (funny).
Well, using words that represent brokenness can create a sad title. For instance, 'The Broken Dream' gives a feeling of sadness as a dream is something positive that has been destroyed. Negative emotions like 'Sadness' itself in 'A Sea of Sadness' can also make a title sad. And when there's a sense of something precious being taken away, like in 'Stolen Happiness', it makes for a sad title.
The contrast. When there is a sudden shift from a happy or normal situation to something going wrong in a silly way. For example, a person all dressed up for a party, but then slips on a banana peel right at the entrance of the party hall. The embarrassment and sadness of ruining the entrance is contrasted with the hilarity of the fall.
Death of a loved one. When a main character loses someone close, like a parent or a best friend, it often makes the story sad. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', Hazel has to face the inevitable death of Augustus, which is heart - breaking.
Surprise is a big element. Like when something unexpected happens, such as a wild animal doing something completely out of character. For example, a deer wearing a hat. Also, a bit of silliness. People acting in a goofy way, like the camper who thought he was a superhero and tried to 'fly' over a small stream and ended up falling in.
Loss is a key element. For example, losing a loved one, like in the story of the young man who lost his mother. Another is loneliness, such as the little dog left alone on the road. It makes the reader feel pity.
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.
One element that makes a sad coronavirus story is the disruption of plans. Couples who had planned their weddings had to postpone them indefinitely. Students who were looking forward to graduation ceremonies couldn't have them. Also, the unequal impact of the virus on the poor. They often had less access to healthcare and resources, and many suffered more severely, which is a very sad aspect.
One element is the innocence of the character. For example, a baby animal being lost. Their cute appearance combined with their helplessness makes the story sad. Another is the unfulfilled hope. Like a child waiting for a parent who will never return, their cute anticipation turns into deep sadness. Also, a lost friendship can be part of it. Two cute little characters who were friends but are now separated due to some circumstances.