Character Types | Research

Before I start working on the character profiles for the variety of characters in our series, I wanted to do some research on the different character types that might be found on screen.

There are usually 8 different characters within comedy, however this might differ depending on the writer and how the series works in terms of story.

The 8 characters:

1. The Logical Smart One - they are usually seen as responsible and stable.
2. The Lovable Loser - they are usually seen as sarcastic, optimistic, needy and impulsive.
3. The Neurotic - they are usually seen as awkward, nervous, controlling and usually worried.
4. The Dumb One - they are usually seen as friendly, naive, gullible with no ulterior motive.
5. The Bitch/Bastard - they are usually seen as mean, insensitive, insecure and doesn't usually apologise.
6. The Womaniser/Maniser (AKA "Slutty Spice") - they are usually seen as charming, seductive, horny and superficial.
7. The Materialistic One - they are usually seen as judgmental, entitled to everything and spoiled.
8. In Their Own Universe (AKA "Space Spice") - they are usually seen as odd, eccentric and uses their illogical logic.

There is obviously room for interpretation as every writer writes differently. If these characters are part of a long lasting series, the characters will probably take turns in each of these types of characters. This will broaden their personality and keeps the story entertaining, and the love the audiences have for the characters.

Here are a few examples of these type of characters within well-known TV series.

Friends:

1. The Logical Smart One - Monica (sometimes Chandler, Ross, Monica & Phoebe).
2. The Lovable Loser - Ross & Chandler (sometimes all of them)
3. The Neurotic - Monica, Chandler & Ross (sometimes all of them)
4. The Dumb One - Joey.
5. The Bitch/Bastard - None of them due to their relationships with one another.
6. The Womaniser/Maniser - Joey.
7. The Materialistic One - Rachel (as there show carried on through each series, this faded away)
8. In Their Own Universe - Phoebe.

Scrubs

1. The Logical Smart One - Carla & Turk.
2. The Lovable Loser - JD.
3. The Neurotic - Eliot.
4. The Dumb One - Todd.
5. The Bitch/Bastard - Perry, Kelso.
6. The Womaniser/Maniser - Todd.
7. The Materialistic One - Eliot.
8. In Their Own Universe - Janitor.

When thinking about the different characters within our series, I will keep these character types in mind in order to create their personalities and traits effectively. Having these character types will  help carry the comedy throughout the show, and keep it entertaining for the audience.