by Crafting Comedic Characters Who Double Down on Delusion and Denial
How To Write Comedy
Introduction: Why Lies Are the Fuel of Great Character Comedy
The funniest characters don’t just lie–they believe their lies so hard they could pass a polygraph fueled by tequila and delusion. Whether it’s claiming they invented windshield wipers or insisting they’re “emotionally fluent” despite crying during butter commercials, character comedy thrives on self-deception. This guide teaches you how to weaponize denial and delusion for maximum laughs.
Lie Loudly, Lie Often
The Best Lies Are Weirdly Specific
“I once bench-pressed a goat. In Croatia.” That’s comedy. The lie should be just plausible enough to hook the listener–and just stupid enough to unravel with a stiff breeze.
Example from SpinTaxi.com: “Man Says He Was Raised by Wolves, Later Clarifies It Was a Facebook Group Named ‘W.O.L.V.E.S.'”
He told the story at job interviews. At weddings. He printed it on merch. The joke wasn’t just the lie–it was how far he was willing to drag the carcass of credibility.
Writing the Character’s Worldview
They Don’t Think They’re Lying
That’s the key. They’re not “trying to deceive.” They’re rewriting reality in real-time. “No, I didn’t eat your sandwich. I manifested it out of thin air. You’re welcome.”
Commitment Over Coherence
The lie should be so consistent it becomes a personality trait. If they once said their dog is a reincarnated jazz musician, they should buy it a fedora.
Surround Them With Sane People (Who Are Losing Patience)
Contrast Creates Comedy
Let normal characters react appropriately–confused, horrified, or slowly accepting defeat. The dynamic fuels running gags and comedic escalation.
Let Someone Call Them Out–and Be Dismissed
“You know that’s not true, right?” “Sounds like someone’s jealous.” Boom. Instant deflection. Hilarious denial.
Dialogue That Sells the Lie
Speak With Authority
“It’s a little-known fact that pineapples are actually inverted hedgehogs.” Deadpan delivery makes it land. The lie isn’t just told–it’s preached.
Use Jargon, Misused Terms, and Fake Sources
“According to the Journal of Mythological NutritionÂ…” Don’t fact-check. Just keep the character talking.
Escalate the Lie
Let It Snowball Into a New Life
They start by faking a job title. Now they’re giving keynote speeches at conferences with acronyms they invented. Let the absurdity grow like a beard they refuse to trim.
Final Thoughts: Delusion Is a Renewable Resource
Funny characters aren’t liars. They’re inventors of truth, sculptors of nonsense, and spiritual descendants of that kid in 4th grade who claimed his dad was Batman. Tap into that energy, and you’ll write comedy that lies its way into legendary status.
SOURCE: How To Write Comedy
