Rules of Thumb: Why comedic scenes can be really useful for character growth
This article discusses the benefits of incorporating comedic scenes in fiction writing, even if the writer doesn’t consider themselves particularly funny. The author argues that comedy can be useful for pacing, deepening character development, and exploring the world of the story. Comedic moments don’t always have to land as jokes, but can still serve to reveal interesting character traits and dynamics. The article also touches on the concept of ‘informed character flaws’ and how comedy can be a way to make those flaws feel more authentic.
- Comedy is useful for pacing, allowing a story to ‘breathe’ after heavy moments
- Recurring comedic routines can deepen character traits and relationships that wouldn’t fit elsewhere
- Comedic scenes don’t have to be outright funny to serve an important purpose in character development and world-building
📘 Publisher’s Take: Writers who struggle with comedy should still practice incorporating humorous scenes, as they can be a powerful tool for revealing character nuance and building an engaging, well-rounded fictional world – even if the jokes don’t always land. Focusing on using comedy to deepen character, rather than just generate laughs, can be a valuable approach.
Source: Reddit r/writing |
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