Comedy

Definition

Comedy is a genre that aims to entertain and amuse through humor, often involving exaggerated characters, absurd situations, and witty dialogue. It can serve various purposes, such as providing social commentary or exploring the complexities of human relationships, while ultimately leading to a resolution that brings joy or laughter. The structure of comedy often contrasts with drama, as it embraces lightheartedness and a sense of playful absurdity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comedy often relies on the element of surprise, where an unexpected twist or punchline creates humor.
2. Characters in comedy may embody archetypes such as the fool, the trickster, or the straight man, which help to highlight comedic situations.
3. In scripted formats, comedies often follow a three-act structure where conflicts escalate before reaching a humorous resolution.
4. Physical comedy is a key aspect of many comedic works, utilizing visual gags and physicality to elicit laughter.
5. Comedies can touch on serious topics but do so through humor, allowing audiences to reflect on societal issues while being entertained.

Review Questions

• How does comedy typically use structure to build towards a resolution?
  • Comedy usually follows a structured format that builds tension through conflict and misunderstanding before resolving in a way that brings relief and laughter. In many cases, this includes a setup that introduces characters and their situations, escalating conflicts that lead to chaos or confusion, and finally a resolution where misunderstandings are cleared up. This structure is crucial for delivering punchlines or comedic reveals that provide closure while ensuring the audience remains engaged throughout the narrative.
• Discuss how the feature film screenplay format supports comedic storytelling through its structure and conventions.
  • The feature film screenplay format supports comedic storytelling by emphasizing timing and pacing essential for humor. This format typically includes specific scene headings, action lines, and dialogue that must work together efficiently to create comedic beats. The prescribed length for scenes can help maintain momentum, ensuring jokes land effectively while also allowing for visual gags or slapstick elements to play out. Moreover, the screenplay’s structure often incorporates setup and payoff techniques that are vital in delivering successful punchlines or humorous twists.
• Evaluate how dramatic irony plays a role in enhancing comedic effect within a narrative.
  • Dramatic irony is pivotal in comedy as it creates scenarios where the audience knows something that the characters do not. This knowledge allows viewers to anticipate misunderstandings and mishaps which are inherently funny when they unfold. For instance, if an audience knows a character is about to walk into an embarrassing situation while the character remains oblivious, the resulting tension between what they expect and what actually happens amplifies humor. By using dramatic irony strategically within comedic contexts, writers can heighten laughs while exploring themes of misunderstanding and miscommunication among characters.

Related terms

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, societal norms, or institutions.

Farce:

A form of comedy characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations, often involving physical humor and slapstick elements.

Romantic Comedy: A subgenre that combines romance with comedic elements, typically focusing on the challenges and misunderstandings between lovers.