O. Henry, the master of the short story and the surprise ending, is best known for classics like "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Ransom of Red Chief." 

Early Life: From North Carolina to Texas

Born William Sydney Porter in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1862, O. Henry's journey to literary fame was anything but traditional. He left school at age 15, worked as a pharmacist, and eventually moved to Texas, where his misadventures — including a charge of embezzlement — would lead to time in prison.

Why “O. Henry”?

There’s no definitive origin for the name “O. Henry.” Some speculate it was inspired by a prison guard, others believe it came from a French chemist's name in a newspaper. Either way, it helped Porter keep his identity a mystery during his early publications.

New York, New Stories

After prison, Porter moved to New York City in 1902 — the perfect setting for the hundreds of short stories he would write. His sharp observations of urban life fueled classics like:

• “The Gift of the Magi” – A story of love and sacrifice.

• “The Last Leaf” – A painter’s leaf gives hope to the dying.

• “The Ransom of Red Chief” – Two criminals get more than they bargained for.

What Made O. Henry Special?

O. Henry wasn’t just another storyteller. His works had a signature style:

Twist Endings – The last line almost always caught readers off guard.
Ordinary Characters – From waiters to pickpockets, his subjects felt real.
Big-Hearted Irony – Laugh-out-loud moments blended with sincere emotion.
Urban Vibe – He captured early 1900s New York like few others.

Personal Struggles

Despite success in publishing, O. Henry’s personal life was filled with loss. After the death of his wife and several failed relationships, he battled alcoholism and ill health. He died in 1910 at the age of 47 — but not before leaving behind more than 600 stories.

His Legacy Lives On

In 1919, the O. Henry Award was established to recognize excellence in short fiction — a testament to his enduring impact. Today, his stories are studied in classrooms, adapted into films, and read by lovers of literature around the world.

For more information about O. Henry, you can view the online video entitled "From Prison to Pen: The Resilient Life of O. Henry".