Well, the contrast between the two meanings of the homonym can create humor. Take 'die' and 'dye' for example. If someone says 'I'm going to dye (change color) myself to death', it's a very wrong and funny statement because of the extreme contrast between the two meanings of the homonyms. Also, the visual or mental image that the wrong usage creates can be a factor in making the story funny.
Relatable situations also work well. We all know how it feels to be embarrassed in public. A story about someone slipping on a banana peel in a crowded place is funny because we can put ourselves in that situation.
Surprise is a key element. For example, in a short story like 'The cat thought it was a dog for a day. Then it remembered it had nine lives and didn't care anymore.' The unexpected twist at the end makes it funny.
Well, here's one. A student wrote in his composition that he 'rode' a 'bored' to school. He actually meant he 'rode' a 'board' (skateboard or something like that). 'Bore' (to make someone feel dull) and 'board' are homonyms, and this mistake created a really humorous situation.
Surprise elements can make a band story funny. For example, if a member of the band suddenly does something completely unexpected during a performance, like the lead singer doing a backflip out of nowhere. Another element is when there are mix - ups. Maybe they show up at the wrong venue but still manage to put on an impromptu show that turns out to be really funny. Also, when band members play pranks on each other on stage or off - stage, like changing the lyrics of a song in a humorous way without telling the others.
Well, the misunderstandings during the game can be really funny. Like when a player misinterprets a rule and does something completely wrong but is so confident about it. And then there's the idea of someone's grand strategy falling apart. A player might plan to build a huge empire of properties but then keep getting landed on by other players and having to pay out large amounts of money. It's the contrast between their big plans and the reality of the game that makes it funny.
Surprise is a big element. Like when someone unexpectedly takes a laxative by mistake. Also, the situation they are in when the laxative starts to work, for example, if they are in a public place or during an important event.
Funny characters can make a highschool story hilarious. For example, the class clown who always has a witty comeback or does really silly things like trying to ride a skateboard in the hallway and crashing into the lockers. Their antics keep everyone entertained. Also, misunderstandings can be really funny. Say, when a student misinterprets a homework assignment and does something completely off - the - wall, like writing an entire essay about the wrong topic. It makes for a great laugh.
Surprise is a big element. For example, if someone confesses to something completely unexpected like confessing that they were the one who accidentally let the neighbor's cat into the house when they were trying to shoo it away. Another element is the way of confessing. If it's done in a very humorous or self - deprecating way, it can be funny. Like saying, 'I'm the worst. I ate all the cookies and I'm not even sorry... well, I am a little sorry.'
Surprise elements can make a devil story funny. For example, when a devil who is supposed to be all - powerful fails at simple tasks like scaring a cat. Another element is the contrast. If a devil has a cute appearance but tries to be menacing, it can be humorous. Also, when the devil's evil plans backfire in unexpected ways, like when a devil tries to make a town gloomy but ends up making it more colorful and happy.
Surprise elements can make it funny. For example, if it's a dog being jealous of a new baby in the family in a really unexpected way. Maybe the dog tries to steal the baby's toys. Another element is over - reaction. Like when a person gets super jealous over something really small, like a friend getting an extra cookie.