In Shirley Jackson's works, minor characters often play pivotal roles in shaping atmosphere and advancing the storyline. These seemingly peripheral figures add layers of tension and intrigue, subtly influencing the direction of the narrative while enhancing the main characters' arcs. For instance, in "The Lottery," the townspeople, through their collective actions and whispered conversations, create a chilling sense of normalcy that underpins the story's shocking conclusion.

Social evils are a recurrent theme in Jackson's oeuvre, manifesting through societal norms and communal behaviors that reflect the darker aspects of human nature. Her stories frequently expose the hypocrisy and cruelty lurking beneath the surface of polite society. The ritualistic violence in "The Lottery" serves as a stark illustration of how ingrained cultural practices can perpetuate brutality.

Jackson’s use of houses as symbols is instrumental in developing her themes. In "The Haunting of Hill House," for example, the eerie mansion becomes a living entity, mirroring the protagonist’s internal turmoil and amplifying the story's sense of dread. The physical space of the house reflects the psychological landscapes of the characters, often blurring the line between the real and the imagined.

Characters in Jackson’s narratives frequently exhibit signs of psychological disturbance, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere of her fiction. These characters, whether through paranoia, delusion, or sheer madness, offer insights into the human psyche’s fragility. Their mental imbalance is portrayed with a deft touch, inviting readers to ponder the thin veneer separating sanity from insanity.

Despite the pervasive darkness in her writing, Jackson infuses humor into her short stories and novels, often through satirical observations and witty dialogue. This humor serves as a counterpoint to the underlying tension, providing a momentary reprieve while highlighting the absurdity of the situations her characters find themselves in. Her comedic elements enrich the narrative, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of themes.