The Four Pillars of Sitcom Characters: Attributes, Activities, Aspirations, and Answers

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The Four Pillars of Sitcom Characters: Attributes, Activities, Aspirations, and Answers

Hey comedy enthusiasts! 🎭

If you’ve ever been tempted to dabble in the art of sitcom writing, then this summary is a must-read. Brought to you by James Carey from the Situation Room, this is a brief round-up of the core insights from his series on sitcom characters. And yes, if you’ve been hunting for a stand-up comedy class or insights into character development, this is for you!

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Key Learning Points:

  1. Attributes:
    • Start by defining your sitcom character’s attributes. Can you succinctly describe them?
    • Consider well-known characters like Del Boy, Malcolm Tucker, or Leslie Knope. They have distinct personalities. Ensure yours does too!
  2. Activities:
    • What does your character do most of the time? Whether it’s a job, a hobby, or anything in between, it’s vital.
    • Think of a range of activities to keep your character occupied for multiple episodes. They should be proactive, not just reactive.
  3. Aspirations:
    • Delve into your character’s deeper motivations. What drives them?
    • For example, if they work at a dry cleaners, is it just a job or do they dream of creating a dry cleaning empire? Aspirations add depth.
  4. Answers:
    • How does your character solve problems? This reflects a lot about their personality.
    • Characters often use their unique solutions to problems, which can lead to hilarious outcomes. Think of Dell Boy trying to talk his way out of issues.
  5. Relatability:
    • Your characters should be relatable. Whether they’re extroverted, introverted, or anywhere in between, they should evoke empathy or recognition from viewers.
  6. Consistency:
    • Characters should be consistent in their actions and reactions, which helps in creating memorable moments in your sitcom.
  7. Continual Development:
    • As you dive deeper into episodes, ensure that your character evolves, providing fresh content while maintaining their core attributes.

Happy writing, and remember: laughter is the best medicine! 🤣📝💡

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