What makes a story really funny?

Relatable situations can be funny too. We've all had those awkward moments like when you wave at someone you think you know, but they turn out to be a stranger. When these common experiences are presented in a story, it often elicits laughter.

Surprise elements often make a story funny. When something unexpected happens, like a dog starting to talk in a story, it catches people off guard and makes them laugh.

A good punchline. For example, in the joke 'Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.', the unexpected and clever punchline makes it engaging.

A funny story is often memorable because of the unexpected twists. For example, if a story is about a detective who always solves cases but in one story he gets outsmarted by a cat burglar, that's unexpected. It makes you laugh and also sticks in your mind.

The unexpected twists in the stories make them interesting. For example, when a dog chases a cat, but instead of the cat running away, it starts chasing the dog back. It's these kinds of sudden changes that catch the reader's attention.

Funny fantasy novels usually have unique and interesting characters. In the 'Discworld' series, characters like the witches who are not your typical heroic or villainous figures. Their down - to - earth and often grumpy personalities are humorous and also make them very engaging. Their non - traditional ways of handling magical situations draw readers in as they are different from the norm in fantasy literature, which is very appealing.

When the elephant tries to do something completely out of its nature, like trying to fly by flapping its ears really fast. It's just so absurd and funny to imagine.

The unexpectedness. In a really bad but funny short story, things go horribly wrong in a way that you don't expect. It catches you off guard and makes you laugh. For example, like the man who thought he could talk to animals and started having a full - on conversation with a squirrel, which of course just ran away.

A really good story often has interesting characters. They can be complex, with their own motives, dreams and flaws. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is a strong - willed and intelligent character, which makes the story engaging.

Passion makes a really love story. When two people are passionately in love, they are willing to do anything for each other. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, their passion led them to defy their families.