Author Profile: O. Henry

Full Name: William Sydney Porter

Born: September 11, 1862, in Greensboro, North Carolina

Died: June 5, 1910, in New York City

Wrote: "The Gift of the Magi," "The Ransom of Red Chief"

O. Henry was able to use his various experiences as a drugstore clerk, bookkeeper, bank teller, and fugitive from the law in his many short stories. He traveled throughout Latin America after he was accused of embezzlement. Many of his stories are set both there and in New York, City, where he finally settled. He is known for writing stories that feature a twist at the end that completely subverts the reader's expectations.