How to Write Funny Characters

How to Write Funny is a step-by-step guide to crafting humor, written by The Onion co-founder Scott Dikkers. It provides actionable techniques like the "11 Funny Filters" (irony, hyperbole, wordplay) to generate jokes, overcome writer’s block, and structure comedic writing. The book blends theory with practical exercises, offering a systematic approach to creating reliably funny content for stand-up, articles, or speeches.

Aspiring comedians, writers, and public speakers seeking to add humor to their work will benefit most. It’s also ideal for marketers, podcasters, or anyone interested in understanding joke mechanics. Dikkers tailors the content for both beginners and professionals, emphasizing repeatable strategies over innate talent.

Yes—readers praise its clear, actionable advice and Dikkers’ credibility as a comedy pioneer. Amazon reviewers call it “one of the best books on comedy writing,” highlighting its structured system for joke creation and real-world examples from The Onion. Critics note its formulaic approach may not suit those seeking abstract comedy theory.

The “11 Funny Filters” are core joke-building tools: irony, character, shock, hyperbole, wordplay, reference, madcap, parody, analogy, misplaced focus, and metahumor. Dikkers explains how to layer these elements (e.g., combining hyperbole with irony) to amplify laughs. Examples from The Onion demonstrate each filter’s application.

Dikkers advocates accessing both brain hemispheres through exercises like “idea vomits” (rapid, unfiltered brainstorming) and using the “Comedy Engine” framework to reframe mundane scenarios into humorous ones. The book emphasizes iterative editing over waiting for inspiration, providing checklists to refine raw ideas.

The book includes templates for speeches, satire articles, and stand-up routines. Dikkers breaks down joke structures used in The Onion’s headlines and offers strategies for tailoring humor to audiences (e.g., avoiding niche references). Case studies show how to adapt jokes across mediums like podcasts or marketing copy.

Unlike anecdotal guides, Dikkers focuses on a replicable system akin to a “humor algorithm.” It’s more technical than Stephen King’s On Writing but less academic than The Comic Toolbox. Readers highlight its emphasis on subtext and audience psychology as unique strengths.

Some argue the formulaic approach could stifle originality, and the focus on short-form humor (e.g., headlines) may not aid novelists. However, most critics concede the techniques work reliably, especially for digital/social media content where pacing and clarity are crucial.

Dikkers’ 25+ years leading The Onion and creating viral satire inform the book’s practicality. His experience mentoring Emmy-winning writers at Second City’s comedy program ensures methods are industry-tested. The tone mirrors The Onion’s blend of absurdity and precision.

Yes—Dikkers’ lessons on subtext, pacing, and audience engagement apply to speeches, marketing, and storytelling. The “misplaced focus” filter, for instance, teaches how to highlight unexpected details, a skill useful in persuasive writing or presentations.

Dikkers’ podcast How to Write Funny offers interview-based extensions of the book’s concepts. His follow-up books (How to Write Funnier, How to Write Funny Characters) delve into advanced techniques, while The Onion’s archives serve as a practical case study library.

The 2023 edition includes updated examples reflecting meme culture and social media brevity. Dikkers discusses platforms like TikTok, advising how to adapt jokes for algorithmic visibility without sacrificing wit—a balance he mastered at The Onion during its digital transition.