The Comic HeroA star in the

Comedyand

Romantic Comedy

There are

…and then there are comic heroes.

The Comic HeroExperiences a change for the betterIs generally a good personIs not perfect – just needs basic approval

from the audienceHas enough charm to make him/her a

sympathetic characterIs often a “plucky underdog”Has “natural” nobility or virtue

Comic Hero Cont.

Believes that it is important to restore normality and is willing to adjust her opinion of herself

Has an ability to adopt different sorts of ruses and humiliations (disguise, deception, etc.)

Has faith in othersLearns to listen to others and respond

appropriately

Comic heroes star in Comedies, which aren’t always about getting laughs.

Comedy“A comedy is a story of the rise in fortune of a sympathetic central character” (Comedy and Tragedy).

“The key to comedy is the sense of satisfaction derived from the comic hero’s success” (The Comic Hero).

The Comic Vision; What view of experience does comedy present?

“…the comic vision celebrates the individual’s participation in a community as the most important part of life” (Johnston).

In a comedy, the conflict is resolved “with the reintegration of the characters into a shared community” (Johnston).

Comic Vision Cont.

Comedies typically end with a restoration of social harmony (seen in a new marriage, a reconciliation between family members, etc.) and a group celebration to endorse the new harmony (a feast, a dance, etc.) (Johnston).

Then there is the romantic comedy…

Characteristics of Romantic Comedy:

Main action is about loveLovers must overcome obstacles to be

brought together in harmonious unionFrequently contains elements of the

improbable, fantastic, miraculous, or supernatural

Frequently contains a philosophical aspect involving heavier themes

References

Johnston, Ian. “Dramatic Structure: Comedy and Tragedy.” Web. 9 Sept. 2012.

Schwartz, Debora B. “The Conventions of Shakespearean Romantic Comedy.” Web. 9 Sept. 2012.

Simpson, David L. “Comedy and Tragedy.” DePaul University, 1998. Web. 9 Sept. 2012.

“The Comic Hero.” THR 100: Drama Appreciation. Web. 9 Sept. 2012