Death of a loved one. When a main character loses someone close, like a parent or a best friend, it often makes the story sad. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', Hazel has to face the inevitable death of Augustus, which is heart - breaking.
Betrayal. If a character is betrayed by someone they trust deeply, such as a friend or a partner. It can lead to a very sad story. For instance, when Judas betrays Jesus in religious stories, it is a very tragic moment.
Loss is a key element. For example, losing a loved one, like in the story of the young man who lost his mother. Another is loneliness, such as the little dog left alone on the road. It makes the reader feel pity.
Loss is a big element. For example, losing a loved one like a parent or a partner. Another is unfulfilled dreams. Just like the person who always wanted to be an artist but never had the chance. Also, loneliness can make a life story sad. When someone has no friends or family to rely on, like an old person living alone with no one to talk to.
One element that makes a sad coronavirus story is the disruption of plans. Couples who had planned their weddings had to postpone them indefinitely. Students who were looking forward to graduation ceremonies couldn't have them. Also, the unequal impact of the virus on the poor. They often had less access to healthcare and resources, and many suffered more severely, which is a very sad aspect.
One element is the innocence of the character. For example, a baby animal being lost. Their cute appearance combined with their helplessness makes the story sad. Another is the unfulfilled hope. Like a child waiting for a parent who will never return, their cute anticipation turns into deep sadness. Also, a lost friendship can be part of it. Two cute little characters who were friends but are now separated due to some circumstances.
Loss often makes a story sad and touching. For example, the loss of a loved one like in the story of the old dog waiting for its deceased owner. It creates a sense of longing and sadness that touches the heart.
Isolation can make a story both sad and weird. Imagine a person living alone on an island, but he keeps seeing a figure in the distance that no one else can see. He is sad because he is alone and the figure he sees makes the situation even weirder as he can't explain it. It creates a sense of mystery and melancholy.
Betrayal can be a key element. When someone you trust deeply, like a best friend or a partner, betrays you. They might break your confidence or do something that harms you. Another aspect is unfulfilled dreams. A person who has always dreamed of becoming an artist but due to circumstances never gets the chance, that's really sad. Also, loneliness, like an old person in a nursing home with no visitors, can make for a very sad story.
One element is a sense of loss. For example, in a story where a person loses their loved one in a very strange and unexplainable way, like they vanish without a trace. It creates a sad and creepy atmosphere. Another is isolation. If the setting is a lonely place like an old, deserted cabin in the woods where something sad happened, it adds to the creepiness.
A key element is the contrast between the sad and the funny parts. In a story, if there's a really sad moment like a character getting fired from their dream job, but then there are funny little incidents that follow, like they trip while leaving the office in an embarrassing way. The juxtaposition of these emotions creates a funny sad story. And the characters' reactions also matter. If they can see the humor in a sad situation, it helps. For instance, a person whose car breaks down in the middle of nowhere (sad) but then starts making jokes about being stranded like in a bad movie (funny).
One element is the underdog situation. For example, a small and weak animal like a mouse in a big world full of predators. But it still manages to find little joys, like finding a tiny piece of cheese in a corner. This contrast between its vulnerability and its small moments of happiness makes the story sad but cute.