#WritersLife: Can writers really make a character funny without actually being funny themselves? 🤔 Let’s dive into this intriguing question together!
It’s fascinating how writers have the power to portray their characters in various ways, shaping them to be smart, kind, or even funny. But when it comes to humor, it seems like there’s a different challenge at play. How can you craft a character that delivers those belly laughs without having that same comedic flair yourself?
As a writer myself, I’ve often pondered this conundrum. While I can definitely make a character intelligent or compassionate without possessing those exact qualities, making them funny seems to require a different skill set. So, what’s the secret sauce to creating a character that can crack jokes and have readers in stitches?
Maybe it comes down to understanding comedic timing, pop culture references, or simply having a knack for puns and wordplay. Or perhaps it’s about tapping into those quirky, relatable moments that bring a smile to someone’s face. Whatever it may be, the ability to make a character funny seems to be a unique challenge in the world of storytelling.
So, what do you think, dear readers? Can writers truly make a character funny without being funny themselves? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s unravel this mystery together! 😄📝 #WritersCommunity #Storytelling #WritingInspo
what if they are smart but not funny? Can’t they just find a way to make an audience laugh?
Have you ever read a character that’s smart that was written by someone who isn’t? It seriously shows.
The further from your personal experience you go, the less believable the character is. If you are average and try to write someone very smart, it won’t come off well. In the same vein, it is hard for very smart people to write characters who are of below average or sometimes even average intelligence well, as one doesn’t understand the way in which they function.
Kind is a little easier because no matter how awful you are, you usually have been kind at least a few times in your life unless you are an utter monster. Evil can be harder actually for those who are kind. Writing good villains is difficult for those who have not experienced that side of things, making them often coming off as unbelievable.
Charismatic characters can be especially hard for those who do not have a lot of charisma themselves.
Humor is hard for EVERYONE.
I guess imagination does have its limits based on living
The premise is wrong. Dumb writers cannot write convincing smart characters.
Comedy is a gift that only few can write well perfectly
I think tyrion from GOT is a perfect example of why this isn’t true. The moment the source material ran out he became an idiot
You can use zingers you’ve heard in a book.
As such, a funny charachter in terms of his barbs and wittiscims.
But you can’t fake an intelligent charachter.
It’ll come off weird and choppy.
I’m reminded of Aaron Sorkin’s TV show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip with Matthew Perry. It was essentially the Sorkin version of 30 Rock, where we see the people producing a sketch comedy show.
The characters kept saying how Sarah Paulson’s character was the funniest person ever, but that character was never shown on screen being funny in any way. I damn near strained my eyeballs rolling them so much at all the telling without showing.
They can make a character funny… Unintentionally. “Oh hi Mark” -Johny, The Room.
Are you saying the writers of murder mysteries aren’t always murderers themselves? Got it.
Rian Johnson is that you?