1. Humor is the Core:
* It's intentional: The author consciously aims to make the reader laugh. This isn't accidental or a by-product of another genre.
* It's varied: The humor can be subtle or slapstick, observational or sarcastic, dry or witty, but it needs to be consistent throughout the story.
* It's relatable: The humor should resonate with the reader, even if it's through shared experiences, common anxieties, or relatable situations.
2. Characters:
* Often quirky or flawed: The characters drive the humor. They might be eccentric, naive, clueless, or have funny quirks that create comedic situations.
* They grow and change: Despite their comical flaws, they should still develop and learn, even if they're learning to laugh at themselves.
* They can be sympathetic: While humorous, characters should still be relatable and evoke emotions beyond laughter.
3. Plot:
* Unexpected twists and turns: The plot can be a source of humor, with unexpected events, mishaps, or misunderstandings driving the story forward.
* High-stakes but lighthearted: Even if the stakes are high, the overall tone should remain light and entertaining.
* The resolution is often ironic: The ending might be surprising or even slightly absurd, providing a final chuckle for the reader.
4. Setting:
* Unique or exaggerated: The setting can contribute to the humor by being unusual, fantastical, or exaggerated.
* It amplifies the humor: The setting can create comedic situations, like a character stuck in a ridiculous place or faced with absurd circumstances.
5. Other factors:
* Wordplay and clever dialogue: Jokes, puns, and clever dialogue can enhance the humor and create memorable moments.
* Irony and satire: These techniques can be used to highlight societal flaws, expose hypocrisy, or poke fun at human behavior.
* Understatement and exaggeration: These literary devices can create humor through contrasting expectations.
Examples of humorous fiction:
* "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams: Sci-fi satire with witty dialogue and absurdity.
* "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller: Darkly funny commentary on war and bureaucracy.
* "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde: A classic play full of wit and satire.
* "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding: Charming, relatable humor about a single woman navigating modern life.
Ultimately, humorous fiction is about finding the funny in the everyday, the surprising, and the absurd. It's about making the reader laugh, think, and maybe even learn something along the way.