Characters Of Comedy

Characters of Comedy: A Guide to SitCom Acting & Writing By Scott Sedita If you are looking for a breakdown of the formulas of comedy, I recommend this book. Remember, A) just because you use the archetypes that Sedita identifies, it doesn’t mean your show/character will be hackneyed and B) just because a character is primarily of these 8 doesn’t mean that they don’t explore other sides of their personality. Who are the 8 Characters? 1. The Logical Smart One – responsible, stable 2. The Lovable Loser – sarcastic, optimistic, needy, impulsive 3. The Neurotic – awkward, nervous, controlling, worried 4. The Dumb One – friendly, naïve, gullible, no ulterior motive 5. The Bitch/Bastard – mean, insensitive, insecure, doesn’t apologize 6. The Womanizer/Manizer (AKA “Slutty Spice”) – charming, seductive, horny, superficial 7. The Materialistic One – judgmental, entitled, spoiled 8. In Their Own Universe (AKA “Spacy Spice”) – odd, eccentric, uses illogical logic I tried to find these characters in sitcoms that I watched. There is definitely room for interpretation and, for a long-lasting series, like Friends, characters will probably take a turn in each of these archetypes. Post a list for your favorite show or let me know if you disagree with my lists. Arrested Development 1. The Logical Smart One – Michael, George Sr., George Michael (sometimes Maeby) 2. The Lovable Loser – George Michael, Tobias 3. The Neurotic – Tobias, George Michael 4. The Dumb One – Gob, Maeby 5. The Bitch/Bastard – Lucille 6. The Womanizer/Manizer – Gob/Lindsay 7. The Materialistic One – Lindsay 8. In Their Own Universe – Buster