Comedy is all about surprise and the subversion of expectations. Yet, some comedic devices are so familiar they’ve become tropes – recurring themes, characters, or situations that we see over and over again. Why do we keep laughing? Because when done well, these tropes tap into universal truths and comedic gold. Here are 10 of them:

1. The Fish Out of Water: This is a classic for a reason. Whether it’s a city slicker in the Wild West or a time traveler in modern times, the humor comes from watching someone struggle to adapt to a completely alien environment.
2. The Misunderstanding: Comedy often thrives on miscommunication. Whether it’s a case of mistaken identity, a misinterpreted phrase, or a plan gone hilariously awry, the results can be sidesplitting.
3. The Rule of Three: Comedy writers often rely on the “Rule of Three.” The setup is established with two similar items, and the third one breaks the pattern for humorous effect.
4. The Slaptick: Physical comedy never goes out of style. Trips, falls, pratfalls, and pie-in-the-face gags are tried-and-true methods for eliciting laughs.
5. The Straight Man and the Funny Man: This duo is a comedy staple. The straight man serves as the grounding force, while the funny man delivers the jokes and antics. This dynamic creates a perfect balance for comedic timing.
6. The Running Gag: This is a joke, reference, or situation that repeats throughout the story, building anticipation and escalating the humor with each recurrence.
7. The Satire: Comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary. By poking fun at real-world issues, satire can expose absurdities and challenge the status quo while making us laugh.
8. The Parody: Parody takes a familiar work of art, literature, or film and exaggerates its style and conventions for comedic effect.
9. The Unexpected Juxtaposition: Humor often arises from placing two contrasting things side by side. The incongruity creates a surprising and funny moment.
10. The Toilet Humor: Let’s face it, sometimes the lowest common denominator jokes are the funniest. There’s a reason why potty humor has been around since the dawn of time.

Why We Love Tropes

These tropes are like comfortable old shoes – familiar, reliable, and always good for a chuckle. They resonate with us because they tap into universal human experiences, like the awkwardness of social interactions, the frustrations of everyday life, and the absurdity of the world around us. Even though we’ve seen these tropes countless times, they still have the power to surprise and delight us when used creatively.

Comedy is an art form, and like any art form, it has its own set of tools and techniques. Tropes are just one of the many ways comedians can make us laugh. So the next time you’re watching a comedy, see if you can spot any of these familiar tropes. You might be surprised at how many you find!

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