A lottery is an arrangement by which something (usually money or prizes) are distributed among a group of people, using a process that relies on chance. A form of gambling, it is sometimes regulated by governments. It is also a common method of raising funds for public works projects, especially in developing countries.
In modern times, lottery revenues help state governments fund public projects such as building roads, schools, and bridges. Lottery profits are also used to reduce state taxes. Many state government officials view the lottery as a way to provide services without onerous taxes on the middle and working classes.
The story begins with a crowd gathered in the town square for an ancient tradition: the lottery. The black wooden box that holds the tickets is brought out, and a boy from the Hutchinson family draws. The reader soon realizes that this is not about winning the prize, but simply about keeping up a tradition.
While there are no characterization methods in the story, the setting and actions of the characters convey some of the personalities of those involved. The children, in particular, are portrayed as irrational, exhibiting patterns of behavior similar to those seen with other problem behaviors such as alcohol and drug use.
Men are more likely to play the lottery than women, in line with gender-related findings for other problem gambling and non-gambling activities such as drug use and crime. The lottery, however, may represent a last-ditch effort for some people who feel they have no other options for improving their lives and are unable or unwilling to seek out other solutions.