“The Ransom of Red Chief” is an ironic short story, meaning that the characters behave in unexpected ways, and the plot unfolds in a surprising manner. Sam and Bill are introduced as career criminals who plan and execute a kidnapping scheme to make some fast cash. Although criminals are typically framed as antagonists, O. Henry presents his hapless criminal duo as the protagonists. Meanwhile, Ebenezer Dorset, who is a victim of their crime, is revealed as the true antagonist. Dorset’s wily 10-year-old son, Johnny, is also depicted as an antagonist.

Through the subversion of character roles, O. Henry thematically develops Cruelty and Violence. After kidnapping Johnny, Sam and Bill become hostages of Johnny’s excessive violence. Bill takes the brunt of Johnny’s cruelty. It is Bill who grabs Johnny during the abduction, and Johnny fights hard against his assailant, leaving “scratches and bruises” (72). Before sunrise the following morning, Johnny awakens Bill and pretends to scalp him with a knife. Bill makes one attempt to discipline Johnny for his abusive behavior by boxing the boy’s ears—a common form of discipline for the period. In return, Bill is knocked unconscious and falls into the fire when Johnny slings a large rock at his head.