Setup

Definition

In the context of comedy, a setup is the initial part of a joke or comedic scene where the premise is established, creating an expectation for the audience. This often involves presenting a situation or character that leads to a punchline or comedic twist, ultimately generating humor through the contrast between expectation and reality. The effectiveness of a setup is crucial in building anticipation and enhancing the comedic impact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A well-crafted setup lays the groundwork for effective comedy by engaging the audience's imagination and leading them to an expected conclusion.
2. Setups often rely on relatable situations, characters, or cultural references that resonate with the audience's experiences and perceptions.
3. The length and complexity of a setup can vary, but it must provide enough context to make the punchline impactful without losing the audience's attention.
4. In many comedic forms, such as stand-up, sketches, or sitcoms, the setup is essential for establishing comedic tension that will be resolved in the punchline.
5. Comedic setups can also be layered, meaning multiple setups can build on each other throughout a performance to create ongoing humor and callbacks.

Review Questions

• How does a well-constructed setup contribute to the effectiveness of a comedic performance?
  • A well-constructed setup establishes the context and expectations for the audience, making it essential for delivering impactful comedy. It creates anticipation by presenting relatable scenarios that lead to an unexpected punchline. The success of a joke often hinges on how effectively the setup engages the audience and builds tension before releasing it with humor.
• Discuss how timing enhances the impact of a setup in comedy. Provide examples of how poor timing can affect a joke's success.
  • Timing is critical in comedy as it affects how the setup is delivered and received by the audience. A perfectly timed pause after a setup can amplify anticipation before delivering the punchline, maximizing its impact. Conversely, poor timing, such as rushing through the setup or waiting too long before delivering the punchline, can lead to confusion or lost momentum, ultimately diminishing the humor and effectiveness of the joke.
• Evaluate the role of callbacks in relation to setups within comedic narratives. How do they build upon initial setups to enhance overall humor?
  • Callbacks play a significant role in enhancing overall humor by connecting new jokes back to earlier setups, creating continuity within comedic narratives. This technique deepens engagement with the audience as they recognize references from earlier parts of the performance. By revisiting established setups through callbacks, comedians can heighten laughter by layering jokes and creating an ongoing dialogue that resonates with shared experiences and previous expectations.

Related terms

punchline: The punchline is the final part of a joke or comedic bit that delivers the twist or unexpected conclusion, often resulting in laughter.

timing: Timing refers to the rhythm and pace at which comedic material is delivered, significantly affecting how well a setup and punchline resonate with the audience.

callback:

A callback is a comedic technique where a reference is made to an earlier joke or situation in the performance, creating continuity and heightening humor.