The Ransom Of Red Chief

O.Henry’s short story, “The Ransom of Red Chief” is about two fugitives named Sam and Bill, who desperately need money, so they kidnap the son of a rich man in town named Ebenezer Dorset. The story takes place on Summit, Alabama, and their scheme is steal the child and demand money from Ebenezer, and be on their way.Their plan makes a wrong turn when the boy, who demanded to be called Red Chief, ends up being very disastrous, causing his two captors to pay his father in order to get rid of him. “The Ransom of Red Chief” is a low level comedy story that uses physical mishaps and exaggeration to communicate the idea that the criminals completed their task, but were eventually outwitted and outmatched by their young captive.