Characteristics of Comedy
1. Light-Hearted With a Positive Outlook
One of the characteristics of comedy is that they are typically light-hearted and have a positive
or optimistic outlook. They often deal with problems in a light-hearted way and end with
everything resolved. Comedies are usually designed to make audiences laugh, but they can also
be used to deliver a message or teach a lesson. Some of the most popular comedies are
sitcoms, which are television shows that focus on humor. Sitcoms often revolve around a central
group of characters who face various challenges and obstacles over the course of the show.
Other popular types of comedy include stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, and improv comedy.
2. Humor Derived from Familiar Situations
The second key characteristic of comedy is that they often contain humor that is derived from
familiar situations. This allows audiences to laugh at the absurdity of the situation while also
providing a sense of recognition. In many cases, the humor is based on the contrast between
what is expected and what actually happens. This can create a sense of suspense and surprise,
which are essential elements of comedy.
3. Happy Ending
The third key characteristic of comedy is that they tend to have a happy ending. This is often
seen as a way to balance out the comedic elements with a feel-good conclusion. It can also be a
way to provide a sense of closure for the audience after they have invested time in the
characters and story. While not all comedies have a happy ending, it is still a very common
occurrence.
4. Simple, Straightforward Plots
The fourth characteristic of comedy is that the plots are often simple and straightforward. This is
because comedies are designed to be entertaining and easy to follow. The simpler the plot, the
easier it is for the audience to understand what is happening. Additionally, the simpler the plot,
the more likely it is that the audience will find the story funny.
5. Relevant
The fifth important characteristic of comedy is that they are relevant. This means that they can
be enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. Comedies often make light of current events,
which makes them enjoyable for people who are looking for a break from the serious news.
6. Larger-Than-Life Characters
The sixth important feature of comedy is that they often have larger-than-life characters that
are funny and relatable. These characters are often placed in absurd situations that add to the
humor of the film or show. The characters in comedies often have very different personalities,
which can create interesting conflicts and situations. The humor in comedies often comes from
the characters' reactions to these situations.
7. Exaggerated Situations
The seventh feature of comedy is that they often exaggerate or create farcical situations in
order to generate humor. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to create a more
exaggerated sense of humor, or to poke fun at a particular subject matter. Whatever the reason,
this type of content is often designed to elicit a laugh from the audience.
8. Poetic Justice
The eighth characteristic of comedy is poetic justice. This is because it is often the source of
much of the humor in these works. Poetic justice is when someone gets what they deserve,
whether it is good or bad. This can be seen in many of Shakespeare's comedies, such as "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Much Ado About Nothing." In these works, the characters
often get what is coming to them in a comical way. This is what makes the audience laugh and
enjoy the play.
9. Clever Writing
The ninth feature of comedy is that they are known for their clever writing, which often features
witty and sarcastic remarks. This type of humor can be enjoyable for both the characters on the
show and the viewers at home. While comedies may not be everyone's cup of tea, they can be a
fun way to relax and laugh at the world around us.
10. Fast Pace
The last characteristic of a comedy is that they typically have a fast pace that helps keep
audiences engaged. This can be due to the quickfire nature of the jokes, or the physical comedy
that is often employed. Whatever the reason, it is clear that comedies are designed to keep
audiences entertained from start to finish.
