Sunday, October 31, 2010

Common Stock Characters in Sitcoms

The Naive Fool: Misunderstands situations and creates conflict for the show.

Carlton on Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Kelso on That 70's Show

The Sage: A character with a quirk or outsider experience. This could be someone who is older in the cast, has advanced

intellect, or someone who doesn't seem to belong with the rest of the characters.

Fonz in Happy Days

Lisa in The Simpsons

Frasier on Cheers

The Comic Relief: Usually has eccentricities and personality traits that give them strange reactions to the conflict. Can

sometimes be the protagonist.:

Urkel in Family Matters

Kramer in Seinfeld

Alf in Alf

The Nosy Neighbor: Always around to see what kind of mischief the main characters are getting into.

Mr. Roper in Three's Company

The Ochmonecs in Alf

Flanders in The Simpsons

Wacky Wife/Straitlaced Husband: This husband/wife team usually sees the female getting into trouble, while the husband has to bail her out.

Lucy/Ricky in I Love Lucy

Samantha/Darin in Bewitched

The Lovable Loser: Always in trouble. Usually in the wrong place at the wrong time. The audience must feel for this character

or the show will not work.

Homer in The Simpsons

Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers

Jay Sherman in The Critic

The Cutesy Moppet: Always around to give the audience a heartfelt moment.

Michelle in Full House

Morgan in Boy Meets World

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