What is an archetype? An archetype is an original model of a person, an ideal example or a prototype on which others are copied, modeled or emulated; a symbol universally recognized by all.
In comic character analysis, which is what we are about to do, an archetype refers to a “stereotype” and / or an “epitome” (someone who perfectly fits the definition of a stereotype).
I’ll be referring to these comic character archetypes in reference to TV sitcoms, specifically Friends, since everyone knows who these characters are, if only because their girlfriends and wives made you watch it.
The five archetypes of comic characters are:
1. The wise man
to. This character can’t help but tease other people or find humor even in the darkest situation. This character has a conflict-ridden relationship with the Bully and / or Charmer, despite the fact that they are often best friends. (ie Chandler and Joey. Chandler is the “Wisecracker” and Joey is the “Bully / Charmer”)
2. The charmer
to. Usually a lover and a player. Sometimes sophisticated and sometimes far from it. (i.e. Joey)
3. The Plaza
to. This is usually the central protagonist of a story and most of his comic moments come from his reaction to a particular situation or one of the other characters. (i.e. Rachel)
4. The Dork
to. The Dork or Nerd doesn’t have to look like Steve Urkel, but compared to the other characters in your story, he’s the biggest and most obvious “Dork / Nerd” by far. (i.e. Ross)
5. The Goofball
to. This is usually the dumbest or dumbest person ever. He is often the youngest character, who is generally an airhead. (i.e. Phoebe)
There are other less frequent comic archetypes that can be worked on in a story:
• The bully: usually does not get along with the joker. The bully may not like all the other characters.
• El Palo: a character that is 1,000 times more tense than the square.
• The Sage – A wise old character who bestows his unsolicited wisdom on the youngest and most naive characters in history.
• Bigmouth: similar to the Bully, but nicer and much more annoying. Usually he manages to irritate all the other characters. (Can anyone say Janice?)
• The Precocious – This will be the youngest and cutest character who is nothing but sweet and lovable.
• The nosy or nosy neighbor
• The well-intentioned blue-collar worker
• The lovable loser
Comedy-based stories are typically standalone because the story is based solely on these characters and, in a sitcom, is resolved at the end of the episode.
If you liked the content of this article, please visit my website at http://www.thestartingpointpodcast.com – David Grimes II, Writer