One of the elements of a funny story is the unexpected. This can be an unexpected plot twist, like when the hero turns out to be the villain all along. Incongruity is also key. Picture a tiny mouse scaring away a huge elephant just by making a loud noise. And of course, relatable characters can add to the humor. If the audience can see themselves in the silly situations the characters get into, it makes the story even funnier.
The elements include a unique perspective. If a story is told from the point of view of an ant, it can be really funny. Humorous dialogue is also crucial. Clever and witty exchanges between characters can make a story hilarious. And the use of absurdity, such as a fish riding a bicycle, can add to the funniness.
The animals' silly actions are funny. Like squirrels getting tangled in Sleeping Beauty's hair and birds singing ridiculous songs to wake her up.
Surprise is a key element. For example, in a short story like 'The cat thought it was a dog for a day. Then it remembered it had nine lives and didn't care anymore.' The unexpected twist at the end makes it funny.
One funny element is the variety of gifts. A partridge in a pear tree is a rather odd start. Then it just gets more and more outlandish like seven swans a - swimming. How would you even keep swans in your house? Another is the repetition. Each day the list just keeps growing, and it seems like the true love is either really determined or just has no idea when to stop. It's like a never - ending cascade of strange presents.
One element is unexpected misfortunes. For example, like in the story of the man on the hot air balloon. He expected a great view but couldn't see clearly without his glasses. Another is the contrast between the serious situation and the comical outcome. In the theater actor's case, the serious play was disrupted by the comical mustache problem. And also, a bit of self - inflicted disasters can contribute. The woman tripping over her own cat at her dinner party is a self - caused misfortune that turns the situation into a funny tragedy.
Surprise is a big element. For example, when you expect one thing and get something completely different, like expecting a normal gift but getting a live chicken. Also, misunderstandings play a role. If someone misinterprets a sign or an instruction, it can lead to a funny and confusing situation.
The first element is a lack of common sense. For example, if someone decides to wear a winter coat in the middle of summer because they think it's fashionable in a very strange way. Secondly, physical comedy plays a role. Like when a person slips on a banana peel in a very comical way. And thirdly, misunderstandings between people can lead to hilarious situations. For example, two people having a completely different conversation while thinking they are on the same page, and the resulting confusion is really funny.
Surprise can be a part of it too. A story where a character unexpectedly does something kind or heroic in a funny situation. Like a dog that accidentally saved a kitten while chasing its own tail. The unexpectedness of the situation along with the positive outcome makes it both funny and moving. Also, the ability to make the reader or listener relate to the characters and their emotions is crucial.
Surprise is one key element. For example, when a character in the story does something completely unexpected like the fish - riding story. Another is the use of humor in characters' actions or dialogue. Just like in the cooking story where the wrong ingredient made for a comical situation.
A funny warning story often has an element of absurdity. Consider a warning in a swimming pool that says 'Beware of the invisible mermaids. They might steal your swim goggles.' This is completely absurd yet funny. Also, when a warning makes light of a common fear or annoyance. For example, a sign in an elevator that says 'Warning: This elevator may have its own ideas about which floor to stop at. Don't be alarmed, it's just being quirky.' It takes the inconvenience of a sometimes - faulty elevator and makes it humorous.