Rules for Writing the Jester

”What do you call a three-humped camel? Pregnant!” *cue laughter* *is surprised when nobody laughs*

Yes, that is my go-to joke.

Today, Ava Murbarger is here to explain how to be a jester! Bet she can do it better than me XD

Rules For Writing the Jester by Ava Murbarger

***

Five Steps to being the Jester (or Comic Relief)

1. You’re either funny, or you’re so not funny that it somehow makes you funny. Confusing, right? You either try hard or don’t have to try at all.

2. Most likely you choose humor as a way to cope, or maybe just to entertain yourself. Awkward in communication? Tell a joke.

3. You rarely actually involve yourself in the actual conflict. You stand at the edges, cracking sometimes unnecessary jokes to keep a lighter mood.

4. If your vulnerability is shown, it is a huge moment in a story, and every reader is glued to the scene.

5. You motivate the protagonist and create or take away tension with comedy. You either spotlight weaknesses or strengths and give the hero a much-needed laugh. Essentially, you pull the puppet strings of the other characters’ emotions. BONUS- You have heavy amounts of the traits in the trope- you’re mishchievous, often clever, very charismatic, sometimes impulsive, annoyingly carefree, and hey, if you’re emotionally guarded on the inside, now you’ve made yourself even more vulnerable.

Congratulations! You’re an important role in countless stories, and often a favorite. Keep up the good work.

Ava Murbarger is an aspiring Christian author who enjoys writing in a range of genres- from fantasy, to sci-fi, to contemporary- and loves stories with themes that ring true, even if they aren’t played out in a real setting. She lives in southeastern Illinois, in a town doing its best to become a city. When she’s not thinking up new stories to tell or mapping out strange worlds, she enjoys reading, worshipping on her guitar, and going to camp each summer. You can contact her at murbargerava@gmail.com.

***

Ahhh the comic relief. Also known as the class clown. Evidently I would not make a good one.

What is your favorite comic relief/jester character and why? Comment below with your answer!