O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) was a master of the American short story, known for his wit, wordplay, and surprise endings. Born in 1862 in Greensboro, North Carolina, he worked various jobs—including as a pharmacist, draftsman, and bank clerk—before turning to writing full-time. He adopted the pen name "O. Henry" while serving a prison sentence for embezzlement, a period that shaped much of his understanding of human character and irony.

A Few Fun Facts:

▪ O. Henry’s real-life prison stint directly inspired many of his stories featuring charming crooks and redemption arcs.
▪ He was incredibly prolific, publishing over 600 short stories.
▪ His trademark twist endings influenced countless writers and are still taught in creative writing classes today.
▪ The O. Henry Award is a prestigious annual prize for short fiction in his honor.