Comic Devices

Question 1

Farce

Answer 1

exaggerated characters in an improbable situation

Question 2

Absurdity

Answer 2

(often linked to incongruity) something completely ridiculous and improbable

Question 3

Dramatic irony

Answer 3

we know something that the character(s) on stage don’t

Question 4

Wit

Answer 4

Clever use of language that involves ingenuity, quick thinking and verbal skill to create comic repartee or banter; sometimes used to belittle or demean another

Question 5

Slapstick

Answer 5

physical action-based comedy that often looks like it should involve physical injury
(violence) but actually does not (Tom & Jerry; Laurel & Hardy)

Question 6

Rule of three

Answer 6

if it’s funny once, do it again only bigger, then once more but bigger still.

Question 7

Duplication

Answer 7

– more than one of a character, object or action appear on stage

Question 8

Parodyp

Answer 8

– copying and exaggerating certain characteristics of a person (imitation or mimicry)

Question 9

Inversion

Answer 9

reversal or swapping of actions

Question 10

Juxtaposition

Answer 10

two actions or scenes that are funny because of the strong contrast between them

Question 11

Comic stop

Answer 11

Is a sudden and unexpected change in action; an extreme physical reaction that shows
the character losing control of their body and balance.

Question 12

Double Take

Answer 12

Is a delayed reaction - the first look is neutral, the second is a big reaction (2 x as big
as expected). The first look, sets up a state of calm or anticipation and makes the second take seem even more extreme.

Question 13

Reversal

Answer 13

a sudden change in pace / rhythm

Question 14

Surprise

Answer 14

an unexpected action or reaction

Question 15

Repetition of action

Answer 15

using the rule of 3 or repeating to become absurd

Question 16

Grotesque characterisation

Answer 16

using animal types, exaggerated facial expressions and physicality