How to write comedic character?

[Huxy]

So, I'm trying to go about making a sarcastic/comedic character that is also serious, I don't want them to be overly funny or not funny at all. Only problem is, I don't know how to write a comedic/sarcastic character.

 

[Cedric Grayson]

Think of all the snarky stuff you normally don't say to people for fear of being rude, and do that.

 

[Evoros]

Write them as sarcastic and snarky and filled with one liners as your heart desires. Then the serious moments where they aren't making quips have more weight.

 

[Delsin Kessler]

Lots of puns works

 

[Lord Ghoul]

[member="Darth Osano"]

 

[Fabula Caromed]

Actively trying to be funny is hit or miss. You either pull it off or you wind up intolerably obnoxious. Buyer beware.

 

[Fabula Caromed]

Mobile sucks. Double post.

 

[WelshPsych]

I find it takes practise. Sometimes timing matters too. Sarcasm isn't easy through writing, unless you state they are being so, but doesn't always work. But give it a go, you can only improve.

 

[Darren Torran]

Try thinking about sarcastic characters from popular shows you like such as Negan out of TWD or that pilot out of Firefly that I can't remember the name of right now. Get into these characters' mindsets and think to yourself "What would this guy say?" then write it without thinking too much about it. A lovable feth-head is the approach I normally take to sarcastic characters - they're absolute assholes but you can't help but love them.

[member="Kaiya Halycon"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Yes and sometimes it's writing what you wouldn't say in RL, the snarky come back

My mother says to me after doling out a punishment - How do you like them apples??
I try hard not to laugh and say: I like them apples sweet! *smiles and runs*

But yes what [member="Darren Torran"] says, draw inspiration from a place that does it well and you enjoy. Like Wart from a Knights Tale

[member="Kaiya Halycon"]

 

[Deadpool]

No idea.

 

[Lief]

[member="Darren Torran"]

"That pilot"

</3

 

[J'Raa]

Decide what kind of funny you're trying to be. Observational humor? Cutting retorts? Cynical observations? Insane stream-of-consciousness and non-sequiturs? Once you find the correct voice you'll find that the character tends to write itself. It may take a few posts to let the character find his or her voice. Listen to actors performing the kind of thing you want to do and try to feel out their rhythms and patterns.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

honestly? Read some of the republic commanda books. the dialogue in the squads has what I think you may possibly be looking for. A little bit of cycnical, little bit of dry humor, kinda well rounded if you're going for the trooper style humor. Anyhoozles that's my recommendation. [member="Kaiya Halycon"]

 

[Julius Sedaire]

[member="Kaiya Halycon"] - I honestly suggest just having fun. I set out to make this guy serious, and he has had some comedic gold moments. None of them were really planned or structured. Or ever are. The above folks gave some gems though. Find comedians, stand up wise, that amuse you. Study their diction, common story elements, and port things like that from their spoken word to your written. If it's funny to you, it will be much easier to write and not have it read clunky, I find.You won't ever be funny to everyone, so if nothing else, make it so *you* enjoy the humor you write.

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

[member="Kaiya Halycon"] [member="Julius Sedaire"]

Like Julius said, sometimes one man's chuckle is another man's eyeroll. So just enjoy writing a balance as you feel comfortable. So long as you like the direction, those who are interested in supporting you will usually pick up on the vibe and respond to that in their RP.