Comedy Main Characters - all the same?

It seems to me that, although there are a number of types of comedy characters, the ones who have consistently really made us laugh (or, me at least) as a main character are very very simlar.

e.g. (as a random selection)David Brent, Alan Partridge, Blackadder, Rik Mayall (any of his characters, they're largely the same), Harold Steptoe, Arnold Rimmer (and Gordan Brittas), Tony Hancock...

Obviously this could go on, but what I am getting at is that, generally speaking, a huge amount of main characters in comedy are: delusional, pompous, and hope to be/think they are something they are not and/or don't quite understand (upper class, popular, cultured etc.)

Now, I'm perfectly happy for you to dispute what I have said so far, but assuming that at least some people agree that a vast majority of hugely successful main characters in comedy fit this description, then I suppose my question is this:

How can such a seemingly slim set of characteristics continue to make us laugh, and why aren't we bored with it?

For those of you who are writing (or trying to), can you manage to create an original character without looking at it and thinking that it is far too similar to one of the above?

I mean, if someone had suggested David Brent to me as a new character, I would have said he sounds far too similar to Alan Partridge. Yet they are very different.

That character type has been a staple of, not only comedy, but also literature and drama, since anyone started paying enough attention to that sort of thing to bother writing it down.

From Pandarus in 'Troilus and Cressida', through to Nick's Mum in 'Nicholas Nickelby', Pooter in 'Diary of A Nobody' and on to 'Hancock's Half Hour', deluded pompous idiots with ridiculous aspirations have always been with us. They've just always been funny, it seems.

I'd give this a read: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Eight-Characters-Comedy-Writing/dp/0977064107/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332575102&sr=8-1

Aside from outlining the eight (and highlighting where their characteristics overlap) he also gets into which pairings of the 8 tend to be most successful. As with everything else in comedy, the humour comes from conflict and that's something that'll be funny forever.

How many different types of people are there? Not too many. Originality is a highly over-rated concept... everything's already been done... and that's fine cause people generally want something they're familiar with and can relate to in some way.

Quote: Vince Ives @ March 24 2012, 7:47 AM GMT

I'd give this a read: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Eight-Characters-Comedy-Writing/dp/0977064107/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332575102&sr=8-1

Aside from outlining the eight (and highlighting where their characteristics overlap) he also gets into which pairings of the 8 tend to be most successful. As with everything else in comedy, the humour comes from conflict and that's something that'll be funny forever.

View original

An American book, Vince, written about only American sitcoms. Ok as a supplementary read, possibly, but the definitive handbook on sitcom characterisation will be a British book based on British sitcoms. Oh yes.

Quote: joebloggs69 @ March 22 2012, 9:08 PM GMT

For those of you who are writing (or trying to), can you manage to create an original character without looking at it and thinking that it is far too similar to one of the above?

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Not really no, but these are the very narrow confines you must work in. If you veer outside them, you just won't make a great standout sitcom lead character.

Quote: joebloggs69 @ March 22 2012, 9:08 PM GMT

I mean, if someone had suggested David Brent to me as a new character, I would have said he sounds far too similar to Alan Partridge.

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He is very similar, but he needs to be, to be as equally memorable a character. Only the outward accoutrements, his job and position make him seem different enough to avoid being confused with him, but he is another Partridge in spirit and soul.

Quote: notoriousrory @ March 23 2012, 9:15 AM GMT

That character type has been a staple of, not only comedy, but also literature and drama, since anyone started paying enough attention to that sort of thing to bother writing it down.

From Pandarus in 'Troilus and Cressida', through to Nick's Mum in 'Nicholas Nickelby', Pooter in 'Diary of A Nobody' and on to 'Hancock's Half Hour', deluded pompous idiots with ridiculous aspirations have always been with us. They've just always been funny, it seems.

View original

Yes, and long may they continue to be.

Quote: MTpromises @ March 24 2012, 5:22 PM GMT

How many different types of people are there? Not too many. Originality is a highly over-rated concept... everything's already been done... and that's fine cause people generally want something they're familiar with and can relate to in some way.

View original

And yes again, although the character himself can still be original, albeit following the same done and done archetype. The character lives as him or herself if his behaviour and language looks recognisbale from the real world, hyped up of course but with a germ of truth. It's this convincing caricature that does far exceed the importance of originality. As you say, the main types have have been done and done, but I don't believe you can do it to death. We will always find someone of that hue funny, absolutely. Pomposity will outlive us all.