Lottery is a method of distributing something (usually money) to a group of people by drawing lots. It is a popular form of gambling and is used to award prizes in many other ways, including sports, music events, and academic scholarships. People also use it to award public services like jobs and housing, though this is less common. In the United States, state-run lotteries are very common.

Shirley Jackson uses several characterization methods in her short story The Lottery, including setting and actions to define her characters. The villagers’ general behavior and attitudes also give the readers an idea of the people they are dealing with. For example, Mrs. Delacroix’s action of picking up a large rock reveals that she has a quick temper and is not easily intimidated.

Throughout the story, the reader experiences a feeling of fear and apprehension as each family draws their slip of paper. The tension builds even more as the narrator introduces Mr. Summers and the black box, announcing that this is an ancient tradition.

While it is not certain that the lottery is a good thing, it is important to realize that it has been used for centuries to distribute anything from land to slaves and property. It has also been used as a means of public service, such as to reward military veterans and fund civic projects. Historically, it has been promoted as an alternative to taxation and a more fair method of distributing resources.