The story would be less sad if society in Cinderella's world was more inclusive. If there were people around who noticed Cinderella's plight and stood up for her against her stepmother and stepsisters, she wouldn't have had to suffer so much. Also, if Cinderella had some means of her own to escape her situation, like an education or a skill that could earn her a living outside the house, it would have made her story less tragic.
You can add some positive elements or outcomes to the story. Maybe have a character find hope or a solution in the end.
One way to make a sad story less sad is to introduce elements of hope or redemption. Maybe have a character find a way to overcome their difficulties or have a positive outcome emerge from a seemingly hopeless situation.
We could try to change the ending. If it's a story of a person in trouble, we can imagine that someone comes to help and turns the situation around.
One aspect that makes Cinderella's story sad is her mistreatment by her stepmother and stepsisters. They force her to do all the chores, treat her like a servant, and exclude her from any kind of family joys or privileges. She has to live in a difficult situation where she is constantly belittled and overworked.
Use vivid descriptions. For example, instead of just saying 'There was a sad emoji', say 'The sad emoji, with its big, glistening teardrop, seemed to be drowning in a pool of melancholy.' This makes the reader really visualize the sadness.
To write a really sad story, start with a character facing a profound loss or heartbreak. Build up the emotions gradually, describe the details of their pain, and show how it affects their life.
By adding some unexpected twists. For example, just when it seems all is lost, a long - lost relative of one of the characters appears and offers a solution to their problems. But then there's a catch that adds more drama.
Maybe it was a story about lost love. When two people who deeply love each other are forced to part ways due to various reasons like family opposition or distance, it can be extremely sad.
Well, Ugly the cat's story was sad due to a combination of things. Firstly, his physical appearance made him the target of discrimination. People judged him at first sight and didn't give him a chance. Secondly, he was alone in the world. He didn't have a family or a proper home. He had to search for food in the harshest of conditions. And finally, when he was sick or in pain, there was no one to look after him. He was just left to deal with his problems on his own, which made his life full of sorrow.
Marilyn Monroe had a sad story because she had a rough start in life with family issues. Then, in Hollywood, she had to deal with a lot of male dominance. Men in power controlled her career to a large extent. And she was never really able to break free from that. Also, her insecurities were exploited. For instance, they made her change her appearance in ways that she might not have fully been comfortable with. All these things combined made her story a very sad one.