The reaction of the person being revenged upon is important too. If they get really flustered or overly dramatic, it adds to the humor. For instance, in the story of the girl with the fake lunch, when her coworker opened the box and was all embarrassed, it made the whole situation really funny. And sometimes, if the revenge is a bit harmless and creative, like making a fake spider in someone's shoe, it can be really amusing as well.
Well, an unexpected turn is a great element. In a good revenge story, the revenge plot should not be too obvious. For instance, in the story of the shopkeeper, the new store didn't expect him to expose their unethical supply source. Also, a good revenge story usually has a character who is relatable. We can understand why the person wants revenge. When we hear about the woman whose lawn was being dirtied by the dog, we can relate to her frustration and cheer for her when she takes revenge. Finally, there should be a proper build - up to the revenge act. It can't be too rushed.
A good revenge story often has an underdog at the start. The person who has been wronged is in a seemingly powerless position. Then there is the build - up, where they patiently wait for the right moment. And finally, the execution of the revenge which should be something that really makes the wrongdoer realize what they did. For instance, if someone stole your promotion, and then you end up getting a much better job at a rival company and taking away business from your old employer.
Relatable situations also work well. We all know how it feels to be embarrassed in public. A story about someone slipping on a banana peel in a crowded place is funny because we can put ourselves in that situation.
Well, first of all, there has to be an injustice. Without that, revenge doesn't seem justifiable. Take the case of the bullied kid who finally stands up to the bully. The initial act of bullying is the root of the need for revenge. Then, the character taking revenge should have some kind of transformation. Maybe they start off as weak but become strong through the process. In 'The Count of Monte Cristo', Edmond Dantes was imprisoned unjustly and came out as a powerful and vengeful figure. And the revenge itself should have consequences, not just for the wrongdoer but also for the avenger. It adds depth to the story.
Timing is crucial. In the best revenge stories, the revenge is carried out at the perfect time. Say a student was unfairly graded by a teacher. Years later, when the student becomes a respected academic and is asked to review the teacher's work, he can give an honest and perhaps not - so - flattering review. Also, the method of revenge matters. It should be smart and not just brute force.
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 element is their innocent misunderstandings. For example, thinking a dog is a big furry cat. Another is their clumsy attempts at doing adult - like things, like trying to shave with a toy razor. Also, their unpredictable reactions to simple things. Say, when they see a balloon pop and instead of being scared, they start laughing.
One important element is the relatability of the characters. If the characters are doing things that people can imagine themselves or others doing in a silly way, it's funny. For instance, a story about a person trying to fit into clothes that are way too small for them. Exaggeration also plays a big role. A story where a man's nose is so long it reaches the other side of the room is bound to be funny. And of course, the unexpected twist at the end. A story that seems to be going in one direction and then suddenly takes a completely different turn is always hilarious.
The use of French accents and unique expressions can make a story funny. For example, when a character over - exaggerates their pronunciation or uses very local and colorful idioms. Also, the French way of life with its cafes, baguettes, and love for wine can be a source of humor. If you describe a character who is overly passionate about their coffee and gets into a comical situation because of it, like chasing after a barista for the perfect espresso.
Surprise is a key element. For example, in a story, a man suddenly shows up at the woman's workplace with a bouquet of flowers made of balloons instead of real ones. It's unexpected and funny yet very romantic. Another element is clumsiness. When someone tries really hard to be romantic but ends up being a bit clumsy like spilling wine while making a toast, it adds humor to the romance.