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c.s. forester, captain america: the winter soldier, colorblind, connor rawleigh, horatio hornblower, humor, indiana jones, nathaniel "nat" brachevis, star wars, writing, zombies
Oftentimes, you’ll come across a character who is, to quote Chris Evans, “not a funny guy.” At the same time, they clearly do have a sense of humor. And if you’re in an action story, most of the humor won’t be jokes, of the verbal or practical variety. Nine times out of ten, in an action/adventure flick, your hero won’t be the kind to tell or play jokes. Aside from a wry quip, you won’t hear anything “funny” from them.
What’s an author to do?
Humor is a vital tool, not only in keeping a story from getting too dark and intense, but also as a coping mechanism for the characters. Every story needs humor.
However, these not-so-funny characters often exercise their sense of humor in another way. Patricia C. Wrede, the author of theΒ Phantom Menace young reader novelization, referred to it as “battle humor.”
You were right about one thing, Master. The negotiations were short. ~~Obi-Wan Kenobi,Β The Phantom Menace
A more commonly used word is “sarcasm.”
And what is sarcasm?
Basically, it’s poking fun at a situation. It’s a coping tool.
If they’re shooting at you they’re bad! ~~Steve Rogers,Β Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Oftentimes, this sort of snark will take a reader off-guard, but take them off-guard in a good way. Let’s use an example from my work-in-progress “Colorblind”: Connor and Nathaniel are pinned down by the bad guys, in a field. There’s practically no cover, and they will be entirely exposed when the sun comes up. The bad guys are taking pot-shots over their heads in an attempt to get them to jump out early. They are in very deep Trouble, with a capital “T.”
And then, Connor says, “I’m starting to think they just like shooting at dirt.” Nat gives him a rather odd look, to which Connor shrugs and says, “On the other hand, they could be just trying to use up excess ammunition.”
I don’t think it will get a lot of laughs, but that’s Connor for you. His sense of humor is a little off-target.
Nine times out of ten, an action hero won’t crack a joke. He will quip, however. His humor depends on the situation; his humor is really about telling the universe that he doesn’t care what sort of nonsense it drops on his head, he’ll deal with it and own it.
Like a boss.
So, situational humor.
Horatio Hornblower is well-known for this. I can’t think of one particular example at the moment, but a wry aside is something that just happens from time to time.
“Why are they still coming at us?” one grunt shouts in the zombie apocalypse. “I thought they were looking for brains!” (Yeah, this is only the second time I’ve mentioned zombies on this blog. Don’t get used to it.)
Also, if Indiana Jones does differently, please do not notify me. I’d rather not get any spoilers before I’ve seen the movie.
Oh, and late Happy Star Wars day. May the Force be with you–you’re gonna need it.
Thanks for reading, and God Bless!
Hahaha… You got a laugh out of me with that line! And you’re right about humor. A certain site calls that kind of humor Casual Danger Dialogue, which is pretty much right on. π
Ohhhh I’m not the only person I know who uses that certain site? π (Then again, maybe others use it and just don’t admit it . . .)
X-D I’m not sure which site you’re talking about… oh well… -_-
TV tropes? π
*nods* Simultaneously one of my biggest methods of procrastination and a very helpful source for story ideas, character development, and general amusement.
Oh yes. π I use it to stay updated on Agents of Shield. π
Oh, TV Tropes! Yup, been on there, wasted time, didn’t go back because I had more important stuff to do. π
Another good example would be when Hiccup, in the first HTTYD movie, says “The gods hate me!” and then gets smacked in the face with a tree branch. Though, that’s not really him being funny, it’s him taking a bit of a pratfall… π
Haven’t seen it, but it sounds like a prime example. π
“Someone tie up the twins. Oh, and gagging them would be good.” <–when Hiccup is really annoyed with Ruffnut and Tuffnut. Unfortunately, some of the other Vikings don't get sarcasm and actually do tie them up… hmm, actually maybe that's fortunate in this case… X-D
This is actually one of my favorite kinds of humor in the world. Unfortunately, I can’t write it to save my life. >.<
Awww! Don’t worry! It can be learned!!! *hugs* I’ll help you and mentor you, if you like π
Thank you! Help is always appreciated. π
π No problem.
You nailed it on defining situational humor and sarcasm.
Steve definitely has that sort of humor, and Horatio a little… I think you’ve just seen more of him than me. I’m only on the third episode. π
That humor is a really good tool and I have to admit I use it a lot. If you saw the sample of Odd Team Out 2, there’s nothing Cobalt enjoys more than a dash of situational humor. He can just step back a bit and laugh at the ridiculousness of what’s happening.
“You’re right… it’s quiet… too quiet!” *cackle*
Thank you! π
And yes, Horatio has it. He certainly has a way with words, for someone who prefers mathematics. π
Cobalt… he probably annoys everyone with it… X-D
Obi does have some pretty cool lines.
Indeed. His dialogue is the best.
But not Siri.
NOOOOOO! YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BASH SIRI! SIRI IS AWESOME AND HAS GREAT DIALOGUE!!!
I think she likes Captain America.
Siri? No! She just slapped me in the back of the head for reading that aloud. She really likes Obi-Wan. And anyway, it wouldn’t work. Because Steve is crushing on Peggy Carter. (It’s adorable, really it is. Steve and Obi-Wan should start an Awkward-Around-Girls Club. :-P)