What are the characteristics of good humor short stories?

They are usually concise. For example, a short story like 'Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.' gets the humor across in just a few words.

Dark humor short stories also tend to play with taboos. They might touch on topics like death, violence, or social norms in a way that is not typical. By breaking these boundaries in a humorous context, they create a unique and often thought - provoking reading experience. This can make the reader both uncomfortable and amused at the same time.

Well, they are often concise. For example, a short story like 'Why is the doctor so angry? Because he has no patience.' gets the humor across quickly with just a simple play on words.

They often involve religious figures or concepts in a light - hearted way. For example, stories about angels doing something a bit clumsy but still in the service of God.

A good humor short story also plays with language. It might use puns, wordplay or exaggeration. For instance, in some Roald Dahl's short stories, he uses very vivid and exaggerated descriptions to make the readers laugh. His descriptions of the characters' actions and appearances are often over - the - top and that's what makes it so funny.

Good dark humor short stories often rely on a certain level of absurdity. Consider a story where the Grim Reaper is complaining about his job because all the souls he has to collect keep asking for selfies. It's absurd because the Grim Reaper is a very serious and often feared figure in mythology, but here he is dealing with modern - day annoyances like selfies. This combination of the serious and the absurd creates that unique dark humor effect.

They are often satirical. For example, they might mock the empty promises of politicians. Like when a politician says he'll cut taxes but then raises other fees instead.

They usually play on the flaws and absurdities of human nature. In a short story, a miser who is so stingy that he tries to bargain with the Grim Reaper to take someone else instead of him. The combination of the serious concept of death and the ridiculous behavior of the miser creates that dark humorous effect.

One characteristic is the unexpectedness. They often have a twist that catches you off - guard, like in the story where the doctor says 'I'll deal with you later' to the man who thinks he's a deck of cards. Another is that they can be a bit macabre. For example, the skeleton asking for a beer and a mop. It's not your typical humorous situation but it makes you laugh because it's so absurd and a little bit creepy at the same time. Also, they sometimes play with taboos or uncomfortable topics in a way that still manages to be funny, without being too offensive.

Well, one characteristic is the use of comical characters. For example, in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', Arthur Dent is an ordinary man thrown into extraordinary and hilarious situations, and his reactions are part of the humor. Another is the unexpected plot twists. In 'Good Omens', the way the apocalypse is thwarted in such an off - beat way is humorous. Also, witty dialogue plays a big role. In 'Bridget Jones's Diary', Bridget's internal monologues and her conversations with others are full of humor.