The plot should be engaging and build up the sadness gradually. In 'Of Mice and Men', the friendship between George and Lennie is first established, and then as the story progresses, the tragic ending becomes more and more heart - wrenching. Also, good use of language to evoke emotions is crucial. The words should be able to make readers feel the sorrow, like in 'Wuthering Heights' where the descriptions of the moors and the unrequited love are so poignant." "Answer3": "Another characteristic is the exploration of deep themes. In sad story novels, themes such as loss, love, and the human condition are often delved into. For instance, in 'The Great Gatsby', the theme of unfulfilled love and the pursuit of the American Dream in a tragic way makes the story sad. The way these themes are intertwined with the characters' fates makes the novel a great sad story.