What are the characteristics of the best short humor stories?

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.

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.

Good humor short stories often have an unexpected twist. Such as the story where a man goes to a library and asks for a book on how to commit suicide. The librarian says, 'Fiction or non - fiction?' It catches you off - guard. Also, they can play on words. For instance, 'Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.' This kind of wordplay makes the story humorous.

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.

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.

They are likely to be full of unexpected twists. For example, a character who seems to be in a very serious situation suddenly finds themselves in a ridiculous one.

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 that they can make you laugh at things that are normally considered serious or tragic. In 'A Confederacy of Dunces', Ignatius's ridiculous actions in the face of real - world problems are a source of black humor. They also tend to have a satirical edge, poking fun at institutions or social norms. 'Good Omens' satirizes the idea of the apocalypse and religious concepts. And they often use a lot of wordplay and clever language to create their humorous and dark effects.

Satire humor novels usually have a target, like 'Animal Farm' targets political systems. They take real - world issues and make them into fictional, often comical, scenarios. This allows readers to see the flaws in a different light. Another characteristic is the use of irony. In 'Gulliver's Travels', the way Gulliver is treated in different lands is ironic and makes the reader think about human behavior.