How to Write Funny Characters: The Complete List of the 40 Character Archetypes of Comedy and How to Use Them to Craft Funny Dialogue and Captivate Audiences by Scott Dikkers Summary

1. Scott Dikkers' 11 Funny Filters structure any joke formula
2. Layer irony, shock, and hyperbole for milk-coming-out-of-nose laughs
3. Subtext transforms mundane ideas into comedy gold through hidden meaning
4. How to Write Funny fixes writer's block with brain hemisphere alignment
5. Comedy titles hook readers before jokes land their punchlines
6. Wordplay and metahumor boost shareability in written comedy formats
7. Satire success requires parodic exaggeration of real-world authority figures
8. The Onion founder's "clown vs editor" method polishes raw humor
9. Relatable overwhelmed characters anchor absurd premises in truth
10. Reference-based jokes create instant audience connections through shared knowledge
11. Misplaced focus humor shifts attention to trivial details unexpectedly
12. Scott Dikkers' 3-step process makes comedy writing repeatable and reliable

About the Author

Scott Dikkers, #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Write Funny, is a pioneering comedy writer and satirist best known as the co-founder and longest-serving editor-in-chief of The Onion. A Thurber Prize for American Humor and Peabody Award winner, Dikkers merges decades of experience in satirical journalism and creative writing instruction in this practical guide to crafting humor. His expertise stems from building The Onion into a global comedy brand and creating the acclaimed comic strip Jim’s Journal, syndicated in over 100 college newspapers.

Dikkers’ work, including the million-copy bestseller Our Dumb Century and Outrageous Marketing, blends sharp wit with actionable frameworks for writers. He hosts the How To Write Funny podcast and teaches comedy writing through partnerships with The Second City, mentoring Emmy and Oscar-winning creators.

Born in Minneapolis in 1965, his darkly humorous perspective emerged from overcoming childhood adversity, later channeled into redefining modern satire. How to Write Funny distills his proven methods for generating viral comedy, trusted by professionals worldwide.

FAQs About This Book

What is How to Write Funny by Scott Dikkers about?

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.

Who should read How to Write Funny?

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.

Is How to Write Funny worth reading?

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.

What are the “11 Funny Filters” in How to Write Funny?

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.

How does How to Write Funny help overcome writer’s block?

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.

What real-world applications does How to Write Funny offer?

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.

How does How to Write Funny compare to other comedy writing guides?

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.

What criticisms exist about How to Write Funny?

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.

How does Scott Dikkers’ background influence How to Write Funny?

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.

Can How to Write Funny help with non-comedic writing?

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.

What supplementary resources complement How to Write Funny?

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.

How does How to Write Funny address modern comedy trends?

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.