SHORT NOTE ON CHARACTERS OF COMEDY.

S.Y.B.A (ENGLISH)                                                             

SEM : 3                                                                                  

CCE : 5                                                                                 

Comedy.

Short Note on Character.

Characters are the people depicted in dramatic or narrative work who are interpreted by the reader as having specific moral, intellectual, and emotional qualities based on inferences from what they say and their distinctive ways of saying it - the dialogue - and what they do - the action.

A comedy's characters are the people who are supposed to be funny. The audience is intended to laugh at them, but it's difficult to discern who is and isn't. occasionally one can tell by how other characters treat them, but sometimes you can only tell if they say something humorous. A comedy's characters are the people who are supposed to be funny. The audience is intended to laugh at them, but it's difficult to discern who is and isn't. occasionally one can tell by how other characters treat them, but sometimes you can only tell if they say something humorous. 

The characters in a comedy are chosen based on the life depicted in the play. They should be judged in accordance with the principles of psychology, science, and morality. They should not be superheroes, but rather ordinary members of society. They must not be both heroic and critical. They should not evoke a too sympathetic or antipathetic response. They should behave, act, and speak in the same way as ordinary people. They should not be overly good or evil, courageous or cowardly. As a result, the hero of the comedy is supposed to be a wise guy rather than a virtuous one.

Restoration comedy of manners was lighter, more joyful and cheerful in tone. They criticize outward behavior of society, Materialistic nature of society. some of the characters in comedy of manner were The fool, The schemer, The hypocrite, The jealous husband etc.

Zeal of the land busy, Dame Purecraft, Wellbred were the characters used by Ben Jonson in his Comedies.

Examples of Character.

 

Dogberry.

Shakespeare's romantic comedies are all set in a fantastical universe far removed from the dull and dark world of everyday existence. Their characters are likewise distinct from our own in that they live in their own fictional, vibrant world rather than ours. Dogberry is a funny character. He has no understanding of the law or of the things that are going on around him but he knows the procedures used in conducting the business of the Watch. His application of his misunderstandings and ignorance of those formal procedures has a great comic effect. He is filled with a sense of his importance as chief of the Watch, and in pitching that against the Watch’s ineffectual performance Shakespeare creates another source of comedy.

Bastard

These characters often upset plans because they are so selfish. They are mean, insensitive, insecure, manipulative and often make wise cracks.

Materialistic

These characters are immature, spoiled, entitled and often have the most to learn. They expect rewards without having necessarily to work for them. They can be lonely and do poorly in relationships, despite always seeking one.

 

Neurotic

These characters are in a permanent state of anxiety, tension, over reaction and worry. They are manipulative, controlling and demand things are done their own way.

 

The Manic Pixie Dream Girl

This is a gorgeous and dumb character, but not in an annoying way. She has a positive attitude and makes the audience feel good about life, yet she is clueless about most things and reacts immaturely when she learns anything shocking or upsetting.

The Completely Wrong Guy

These are characters that just don’t make sense, but they are somehow entertaining because of how strange they are or how much energy they put into being different from other people.