What are the characteristics of humor short stories?

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.

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.

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 often involve personal or unique situations. For example, something that happens only within a family or a small group. Dark humor in these stories usually takes an unexpected turn, like in the story of the old cat. The comment about the cat not scratching furniture after death is unexpected and a bit dark. It's not the normal reaction one would expect in a mourning situation.

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.

The humor in Saturnstar short stories often comes from unexpected plot twists and witty dialogues between characters.