Comic Characters Becoming Serious

starrykitten · Aug 18, 2009

Hi all--

I have a decision to make about my WIP. There's one character who exists primarily for comic relief, but this character also knows more about what my MC is going through than others. When she needs someone to step in and help her save the day, he's a logical choice since she doesn't have any serious-character-allies.

I don't want him to get too heroic but I also don't want it to be too much like "The Zeppo" Buffy episode; it just makes the most sense to use this comic character in a serious capacity.

What do you think?

cscarlet · Aug 18, 2009

I don't watch "Buffy" so I'm not sure if this is in line with what your thoughts are, but I see nothing wrong with him having a serious side. People are not one-dimensional. I may be bubbly and happy around everyone at work, and with friends, but ultimately I like to curl up on my couch most days and be alone. I think showing "the serious side" of your character could give it some good depth. If you don't want him to be too heroic, you could always have him revert back to his "safe mode" of laughing it off and pretending it wasn't a big deal (even if it seems awkward for both characters that he's acting that way).

Namatu · Aug 18, 2009

It could add a good layer to your comic character. Using him in a more serious capacity doesn't mean he can't still be comic afterward, and with the reader knowing that he knows more than he seems to, you make him more interesting. Maybe as you continue writing, you'll find he has more serious contributions than you anticipated.

Lisa Cox · Aug 18, 2009

Agreeing with the others. Giving your character more layers makes him more 3D. Most people don't have one-track personalities.

I will suggest you don't make him suddenly and briefly serious for the purpose of this plot point. Hint at him having a serious side beforehand. IMO.

starrykitten · Aug 18, 2009

All great suggestions. Thanks!

josephwise · Aug 18, 2009

King Lear's fool was the only one willing to stand with him in the rain. That was one of my favorite thigns about the play.

lucidzfl · Aug 18, 2009

U SHOD RITE HIM LIKE MARLAN WAIANS CHARATER FROM GIJOE BECUZ HE WAS FUNNY BUT ALSO BUILT REAL GOOD AND STRONG AND THAT ONE CHIK LIKED HIM

Stunted · Aug 18, 2009

I really like it when comic characters turn out to have a brain in their heads.

Danthia · Aug 18, 2009

Layers are good. You can always add a flash or two earlier as well so readers can catch a glimpse of a serious or smart side of him. Enough so the change feels real, but not so much that it foreshadows too much. Hint at those hidden depths

Salis · Aug 18, 2009

I have a character in my current piece who is relentlessly facetious. The caveat is that this is his coping mechanism--it's how he deals with the nastiness of life.

You probably know someone like this in real life, who is inappropriately "funny" as a way of protecting themselves. Just exposing this side of them can be poignant enough, and sort of forces them to stop cracking a joke at every corner.

Chasing the Horizon · Aug 18, 2009

I had a similar thing happen in one of my series. A character I'd put in for comic relief became very important to the plot. He's still funny and crazy, but he's also indispensable to the series and eventually earns the MC's respect. It became a fascinating character subplot that was listed by several of my betas as one of their favorite parts of the books.

So I say go for it!

Ken Schneider · Aug 18, 2009

Any and or all of your characters can have a funny side, and be serious when need be when put in the right situation.

James D. Macdonald · Aug 18, 2009

Mercutio.

The Lonely One · Aug 18, 2009

Fortunato wasn't much of a jokester. Montresor keeps setting them up but Fortunato just can't seem to knock them down.

I think I had a point somewhere about Poe's story being a good mix of humor, irony, seriousness. But instead I made an ass of myself. Don't worry I'm used to it.

Comic Characters Becoming Serious

starrykitten

practical experience, FTW

cscarlet

AW = Procrastination.

Namatu

Lost in mental space.

Lisa Cox

starrykitten

practical experience, FTW

josephwise

lucidzfl

Back from the dead

Stunted

Ich heiße Superphantastisch!

Danthia

Salis

You Lie!

Chasing the Horizon

Blowing in the Wind

Ken Schneider

Absolute sagebrush

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

The Lonely One

Why is a raven like a writing desk?