Structuring A Comedy Screenplay: The Comic Hero's Journey - Steve Kaplan [FULL INTERVIEW]

Introduction

This tutorial outlines the key concepts from Steve Kaplan's interview on structuring a comedy screenplay, specifically focusing on the Comic Hero's Journey. Understanding these elements can significantly enhance your comedy writing by providing a framework that blends humor with narrative depth.

Step 1: Understand the Comic Hero's Journey

• The Comic Hero's Journey is a variation of the traditional Hero's Journey, adapted for comedic storytelling.
• Recognize that the journey is not just about external achievements but also internal growth and comic struggles.
• Key components include:
  • The Hero: A relatable protagonist who faces comedic obstacles.
  • The Flaw: A specific characteristic or belief that holds the hero back.
  • The Transformation: The hero evolves by the end of the story, usually realizing their flaw.

Step 2: Establish the Comic Premise

• Start with a strong comic premise that sets the tone for your story.
• A comic premise often includes irony or absurdity, which provides a foundation for humor.
• Consider these elements:
  • What is the central conflict?
  • How can this conflict be exaggerated for comedic effect?
  • Who are the supporting characters that will enhance the humor?

Step 3: Create a Structure for Your Story

• Use a three-act structure to organize your screenplay:
  • Act 1: Introduce the hero, their world, and the comedic premise.
  • Act 2: Present the challenges and obstacles the hero faces, escalating the humor.
  • Act 3: Resolve the conflict, showcasing the hero's transformation.
• Incorporate comedic beats throughout to maintain a light-hearted tone.

Step 4: Develop Supporting Characters

• Supporting characters should complement and challenge the hero.
• Consider the following roles:
  • The Sidekick: Provides comic relief and support.
  • The Antagonist: Creates obstacles but can also be a source of humor.
  • The Mentor: Offers wisdom, often in a humorous way.
• Ensure each character has their own arc that contributes to the overall story.

Step 5: Utilize Humor Techniques

• Incorporate various humor techniques to keep the audience engaged:
  • Wordplay (puns, malapropisms)
  • Situational comedy (putting characters in absurd situations)
  • Physical comedy (slapstick, exaggerated actions)
• Balance these techniques with the narrative to ensure they enhance rather than overshadow the story.

Conclusion

By understanding the Comic Hero's Journey and employing a structured approach to your comedy screenplay, you can craft a compelling and humorous narrative. Focus on developing relatable characters, a solid premise, and an engaging story arc. As you write, remember to incorporate various humor techniques and keep the audience's experience in mind. Your next steps should involve outlining your screenplay and fleshing out your characters to begin the writing process.