Varieties of Drama Comedy

 A comedy is a play that treats characters and situations in a humorous way and has a happy ending.  Comes from the Greek words komos and ode, meaning revel song.  Comedies don’t always make you laugh out loud, but usually at least amuse you.

Comedy  In a comedy, the protagonist overcomes opposing forces or achieves desired goals.  The protagonist is often less-than- average in some way.

Comedy  The comic protagonist may me a(n):  Idealist  Romantic  Blunderer  Dreamer  Rogue

Seven Causes of Laughter  Exaggeration can include physical characteristics (a bulbous nose or large teeth).  May include mental characteristics (an extremely smart child or an incredibly dense person).

Seven Causes of Laughter  Incongruity is defined as anything that seems out of place, time, or character.  Could be a soldier who walks like a wind-up toy or actors who act like cats.

Seven Causes of Laughter  Anticipation is when the audience looks forward to a potential laugh.  An example is when the audience sees a character approaching a banana peel on the street.

Seven Causes of Laughter  Ambiguity is a double meaning such as a pun or word play.  Could include names like Lydia Languish or Benjamin Backbite.

Seven Causes of Laughter  Recognition is when the character discovers hidden or obscure meanings.  An example is when a character hears or sees something, takes a mouth-open freeze, and then understands the meaning.

Seven Causes of Laughter  Protection includes cruel, violent, grotesque, and abusive actions and events that cause laughter.  Audience laughs because they know the actions aren’t real and don’t harm anyone.

Seven Causes of Laughter  Relief is the release of built-up pressure created by the plot.  Example: When a bomb blows up, but the character emerges covered in soot.

Tragedy Versus Comedy  Tragedy is inevitable, while comedy is predictable.  In a tragedy the protagonist fails to achieve his goal, while in a comedy the protagonist achieves his goals.  Tragic protagonists are alienated from society, while comedic protagonists often become leaders of new societies.

Tragedy Versus Comedy  Tragic protagonists are average or better, while comedic protagonists are less than average.  In a tragedy the protagonist falls from leadership and loses respect, while in a comedy the protagonist achieves success.