The main theme could be about the clever techniques or insider knowledge within a particular trade. It might show how characters use a unique 'trick' to succeed or deal with challenges in their line of work.
I'm not sure as the name doesn't give away the characters directly. But they could be people involved in the trade the story is about, like an apprentice and a master craftsman.
On a spooky Halloween night, a group of kids were out for 'trick or treat'. They came to a house that was decorated with lots of pumpkins. A man opened the door and instead of giving them candies right away, he told them a short ghost story. The kids were a bit scared but also excited. After the story, he gave them all big bags of candies and they went on their way, chatting about the cool story.
Well, first of all, it's unexpected. The ending catches you off - guard, like a sudden twist in a rollercoaster. For example, in 'The Necklace', Mathilde Loisel spends years working to pay off a replacement for a lost necklace, only to find out at the end that the original necklace was fake. It also often challenges the reader's assumptions. You might think you know where the story is going based on the initial setup, but then the ending completely flips that. Another characteristic is that it can make you re - evaluate the whole story. Once you reach the trick ending, you start to think back on all the details in a new light, realizing that there were hints all along that you might have missed.
One common element is the sense of anticipation. In these short stories, the kids are excited and a bit nervous about what they will get at each house. The night - time setting is also very typical, as Halloween 'trick or treat' usually happens after dark. And of course, there are the characters - the kids going around and the adults or homeowners who either give treats or face the threat of a trick.
Often in a short story, the lottery tricks you through deceptive marketing or rigged systems. Maybe the rules are unclear from the start, or the chances of winning are incredibly slim but made to seem otherwise.
Characteristics of trade short stories in fiction include the portrayal of different trading systems. Some stories might depict a traditional marketplace where people haggle over prices, while others could show a more formal business trading environment. Another aspect is the role of information. In many trade short stories, having or lacking information can make or break a trade. A character who has insider knowledge might be able to make a great deal, while one who is misled will suffer. Moreover, the stories often show the human side of trade. It's not just about numbers and transactions, but about the hopes, dreams, and fears of the people involved. For example, a farmer in a short story might be depending on a good trade of his crops to feed his family for the winter, adding an emotional layer to the concept of trade.
It's hard to say. Some tricks might draw from real-life situations, but they're often embellished or transformed to make them more exciting or puzzling.