Have you ever wondered how writers conjure up characters that seem to live and breathe on the page, characters who are smarter, kinder, or even funnier than the writers themselves? It’s a kind of alchemy, really, transforming the lead of our everyday experiences into the gold of compelling fiction. Let’s dive into the fascinating process of character creation and explore how writers can indeed craft characters that surpass their own personal limitations in intellect and emotion, and particularly, in humor.
The magic begins with a little trickery, a sleight of hand that starts with the end in mind. Imagine crafting a story as one would a complex puzzle, beginning with the final picture and then meticulously working backward, piece by piece. This method, akin to constructing a crime story, involves starting with the outcome and then deconstructing it into its elements: tools, witnesses, methods, motives. Each element is examined and, if found too simplistic, is replaced with something more ambiguous or deceptive. This approach allows writers to transcend their own capabilities by modifying circumstances, personalities, and environments to serve the narrative’s needs.
Once the web of clues is spun, the explicit story—the one the readers will engage with—begins to take shape. Clues are sprinkled throughout, and the investigator, or in the case of our discussion, the character, navigates through lies and deceits to arrive at the truth. The character’s intelligence shines through as they piece together the puzzle, a testament to the writer’s behind-the-scenes craftsmanship rather than a reflection of their own intellect.
This technique is not unlike the way mathematicians craft exercises. They start with the answer and work their way back, adding complexity until the equation is sufficiently convoluted. Then, they present it as a challenge to be solved, much like writers present their stories to be unraveled by the characters—and by extension, the readers.
Consider the moment in the film ‘Tootsie’ when Dustin Hoffman’s character, out of respect for the woman he portrays, wishes he were prettier. This sentiment reflects the ability of writers to create characters who embody virtues they themselves may not possess. It’s a testament to the power of imagination and the depth from which artists draw their inspiration.
The act of writing characters smarter or kinder than ourselves is not just possible; it’s a practice rooted in the very essence of storytelling. Writers have long been able to tap into a part of their psyche that is deeper and wiser than their everyday selves. From childhood, the ability to pretend and inhabit different personas is ingrained in us. As writers, we channel this innate talent to breathe life into characters that may be more intelligent, more emotionally complex, or even funnier than we are.
To be brave in our work means to trust this source, this well of creativity that seems to have no bottom. It’s about letting go of the ego—the part of us that is fearful and hesitant—and embracing the Self. The Self is connected to something greater, something divine. It understands both the dark and the light and can channel the humor needed to make a character truly funny.
My first job in the creative industry taught me the importance of thinking big. My boss, a seasoned writer, would challenge me to go beyond the small, safe ideas and to reach for something grand. This lesson extends to writing characters. We must not be afraid to reach beyond our perceived limitations, to create characters that are larger than life.
In the realm of character intelligence, it’s crucial to avoid the pitfall of making supporting characters less intelligent to make the protagonist seem smarter. Instead, the protagonist’s intelligence should be demonstrated through their actions and decisions within a world of equally capable characters. This approach ensures that the protagonist’s smarts are genuinely impressive, rather than a product of comparison to lesser minds.
Let’s talk about humor. It’s often said that a writer cannot make a character funny unless they are funny themselves. But is this true? Humor is a complex and multifaceted trait, one that can be honed and crafted like any other aspect of writing. For many, humor is a coping mechanism, a way to defuse tension or cover insecurities. It’s a skill that can be developed and refined over time, both on the stage and on the page.
As a writer, I’ve learned that it’s possible to separate one’s serious, professional identity from the humorous aspects of one’s personality. Humor doesn’t have to be left behind with a former career; it can be integrated into writing in a way that enriches the narrative and endears characters to readers. My own journey from actor to writer has taught me that humor can be a powerful tool in storytelling, one that can be wielded with precision and purpose.
The creation of characters who are smarter, kinder, or funnier than we are is not just a possibility; it’s a reality that writers have been achieving for centuries. By trusting the deep well of creativity within us and embracing the full spectrum of human emotion and intellect, we can craft characters that resonate with readers and stand the test of time. Whether it’s through the clever unraveling of a mystery or the subtle weaving of humor into the narrative, the writer’s alchemy transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, proving that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword—or the wit.
Let’s plunge into the secret sauce of writing funny characters. It’s a topic that’s no laughing matter, yet it’s one that can bring a smile to your face just thinking about it. Humor is a delicate dance, a tightrope walk between the profound and the absurd. It’s a craft that requires not just a sharp wit, but a keen understanding of the human condition. So, how do writers, regardless of their own personal sense of humor, manage to create characters that leave readers in stitches? Let’s unravel this comedic conundrum together.
It’s essential to recognize that humor is subjective.
What tickles one person might leave another scratching their head. However, there are universal elements to humor that transcend individual taste. Timing, for instance, is crucial. The punchline delivered a second too late loses its punch. Similarly, a character’s funny bone is often found in the unexpected, the surprise twist of words or actions that catches readers off guard.
Creating a funny character often involves a deep dive into the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us uniquely human. Writers must observe the world around them with a keen eye, noting the little absurdities of daily life that often go unnoticed. It’s about finding the humor in the mundane, the ridiculous in the routine. A character’s humorous perspective can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, making readers see the world through a different, more playful lens.
Do not forget, that humor is also about truth.
The most enduring comedic characters are those who reveal a truth about ourselves, our society, or our world. They hold up a mirror to our foibles and follies, making us laugh at the things we might otherwise cry about. It’s this blend of humor and honesty that endears these characters to us, making them feel like old friends we can’t wait to revisit.
You might be thinking, ‘But I’m not naturally funny. How can I write a character who is?’ Fear not! As with any aspect of writing, humor can be learned, practiced, and perfected. It’s about tuning into the rhythm of language, playing with words, and experimenting with comedic timing. It’s about letting your characters say what we might only dare to think, giving voice to those inner thoughts that are universally relatable yet often left unsaid.
One good tip is to challenge your characters with situations they’re not familiar with, but they respond cleverly.
Think of the classic ‘fish out of water’ trope. It’s a scenario ripe for comedy because it forces characters to adapt in ways that are often humorous. Their attempts to fit in or their blatant disregard for conformity can lead to hilarious outcomes.
Another key ingredient in the humor recipe is the use of dialogue.
Witty banter, snappy comebacks, and playful teasing can all contribute to a character’s comedic charm. Dialogue is a powerful tool in the humorist’s arsenal, as it allows characters to interact in ways that highlight their humor. It’s not just about what is said, but how it’s said—the tone, the pace, and the underlying subtext.
It’s also important to remember that humor doesn’t always have to be loud or over the top. Subtlety can be just as effective. A dry wit or a deadpan delivery can often be more humorous than a slapstick routine. It’s about knowing your characters and understanding what kind of humor fits their personality and the situation they’re in.
How do we apply all this to our writing? It starts with giving ourselves permission to be playful with our prose. It’s about writing with a sense of joy and not being afraid to let our characters be silly or irreverent. It’s about embracing the absurdities of life and finding the humor in our shared human experience.
Perhaps the most important aspect of writing funny characters is not to force it. Humor should feel natural, an organic part of the character’s personality and the story’s world. Trying too hard to be funny can have the opposite effect, leaving readers cringing rather than chuckling.
Writing funny characters is an art form that requires a delicate balance of wit, timing, and truth. It’s about understanding the human condition and finding the humor that resides there. It’s about being brave enough to let your characters be boldly humorous, even if you yourself are not the life of the party. And remember, the well of creativity within you is deep.
Trust it. Trust the source. Let your characters surprise you with their humor, and in doing so, they just might surprise your readers too. After all, as the saying goes, ‘Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.’ But when done right, it’s also incredibly rewarding, both for the writer and the reader.
Related posts:
Writing as Alchemy – Journal of Folklore and Education (jfepublications.org) Writing Wednesdays: Writing Characters Who Are Smarter Than We Are
