Comedy Archetype

The story is set in a world of experience.

The central metaphors are spring or rebirth.

The hero/heroine shows the potential good in normal people.

They are often young in spirit if not in years They are often young in spirit if not in years. They display flexibility and wit.

Other stock characters: A buffoon -a clown or jester

An Imp or facilitator

The straightman, a killjoy, a churl

There is a blocking force, usually an authority figure.

In romantic comedies there is usually a romantic triangle, and one person must be displaced.

There is often a matchmaker.

There are often double plots.

There is always a happy ending.

Elements of humor: Incongruity Surprise Repetition Inversion Language with two meanings Establishment of superiority Exaggeration Slapstick violence

Elements of humor: Incongruity means out of place — something that doesn't fit in its location or situation. The art show patrons couldn't help but chuckle at the incongruity of a toilet sitting in the middle of an exhibition of Renaissance paintings. Surprise something is funny when it startles; build up atmosphere and raise anticipation, then run against it.  Inversion a change in normal word order, such as the placement of a verb before its subject

Common themes: Conflict between the weak and the strong and the weak wins Revival or renewal Nonconformity Escape Hope for a better society The common man overcomes all obstacles

Common motifs and conventions: Twins or cases of mistaken identity

Clothing used to indicate social status

Quirks, faults or imperfections

Weddings

Parties or celebrations

Family traditions

Misunderstandings

Coincidence

Mistiming

Comedies have a specific archetype with common themes, plots, characters and conventions. They are NOT just anything that makes us laugh.

Some films or stories that are very funny are not comedies at all Some films or stories that are very funny are not comedies at all. They might be a satire that contains elements of humor.

Remember that the elements of humor are only one part of the comedy archetype.

Shakespeare’s comedies might not make modern audiences laugh, but because they contain all the required elements they are still considered comedies.