Comedy

Continuing Series on Story Structure

NOTE: This is part of a series on story structure. I will be collecting them all up and putting them into a book once I’m finished, as part of my Business for Breakfast series.

The classic comedy plot is not necessarily comedic, or funny. In today’s world, particularly with situational comedies, or “sitcoms” as they’re called, the comedies, while still light-hearted, will occasionally have some serious points and movements within it, and can still unflinchingly look at some hard truths.

The primary focus of a comedy plot is triumph over adversary. A series of problems — frequently in the guise of secrets or misinformation — have prevented the main character from their heart’s desire. In a more traditional comedy, that heart’s desire is a romantic partner. But they might just desire an uneventful life. Or to get that damned gopher off their golf course.

Comedy can frequently be absurd. People act in ways that aren’t necessarily the norm. They tell lies, go hide in wardrobes, hang off balconies. Part of the humor comes from the unexpected — the image of a staid, buttoned-down banker so madly jealous that he dresses up as a French Maid to spy on his beloved is not the norm or what is expected.

The first act of a comedy is frequently misunderstanding building upon misunderstanding. Sometimes this…