Author: William Sydney Porter, known by his pen name O. Henry
Theme: “ The Ransom of the Red Chief” is a humourous tale with a useful lesson within it, always look before you leap. Even if something seems like a good idea always think it over.
Characterization: This story follows two very foolish men who, in lack of funds and bright ideas, decided to kidnap a child. The boy they kidnapped was imaginative, but cruel and inflicted a multitude of pain.
Plot: This story follows the two men as they try to keep their hostage. They are surprised when he does not want to leave and in fact just wants to play. This child, who self-dubbed himself the red chief, was constant in his play of kidnappers and indians.