Jane Austen was a master at creating different kinds of characters, characters that could embrace the ridiculous and the sensible. Each of her characters are just as believable as the next. Consider a few tips on creating characters that are intrinsically silly, but real.
Creating A Believable Character
Writers take inspiration from life in their writing, and that includes character creation. Characters are more believable when fashioned a little after real people and a little after imagination. Many writers’ characters define a particular person or an amalgam of real people.
Consider the many different qualities that real people have and the fact that many have ridiculous notions and ideas. A character can be ridiculous through the things he thinks or says, just as someone with an odd view, or as the characters in a sitcom. A silly character may come a little more from imagination than from real people, but have enough qualities of real people to be believable.
A Ridiculous Character’s Qualities
A ridiculous character is one that embraces the silliness of life. This character can be purposefully ridiculous, perhaps to hide his real personality, or perhaps just to enjoy life. Or this character may be ridiculous without realizing it, as though he truly believes the absurd notions he spouts. Either way, a ridiculous character gives an interesting dimension to a story in opposition to a sensible character.
To create a ridiculous character, consider the ideas that contribute to a silly situation. Consider the events that happen that create a laugh and the reasons these events are funny. Make a list of these attributes as they can be useful in writing about a ridiculous character. In the writing itself, try to show rather than tell about the absurdity of the character. This can be done through that character’s dialogue. As a person reveals himself through his words, a character can do the same.
Literary Characters
For inspiration for ridiculous characters, consider the characters in literature that celebrate silliness whether or not that is their intent. As aforementioned, Jane Austen created a plethora of interesting and timeless characters. Take, for example, Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice, who may be sincere and mean well, but embodies silly notions through his adoration of Catherine de Bourgh and his given reasons for marrying.
For a character that is sincerely silly and a story that embraces the ridiculous with such a character, consider all the possible qualities of a ridiculous character and what that character can add to a good story.
Michelle Wright - Michelle is an avid reader and writer, with a focus on book, film and music reviews, gluten free recipes, and fiction writing "how-tos."
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