Transcript Television & Sitcoms: Stock Characters
Television & Sitcoms: Stock Characters Mass Media Anthony Rydberg Jordan High School
Introduction…
Stock Character:
a personality that is dominated by
one main trait.
Stock Characters are useful in sitcoms because they establish
predictability.
The Role of Predictability
Eases the writing process.
Audiences “ Get to know ” the character.
Consistent through production changes.
Memorable moments (catch phrases, etc.)
10 Typical Stock Characters
1.
The Naïve Fool:
not a child, but has childlike innocence.
10 Typical Stock Characters
2. The Sage:
Offers Wisdom/counsel.
10 Typical Stock Characters
3. The jokester:
often reacts with a joke; one of the few
intentionally
funny characters.
10 Typical Stock Characters
4. The Nosy Neighbor:
always gets involved, even when not wanted.
10 Typical Stock Characters
5. The cynic:
always sees the negative side.
10 Typical Stock Characters
6. The lovable loser:
always tries, never succeeds.
10 Typical Stock Characters
7. The cutie-pie:
just there to be cute.
10 Typical Stock Characters
8. The Scampish Kid:
gets in trouble, but has a good heart.
10 Typical Stock Characters
9. The Free Spirit:
doesn’t conform to societal norms; often has strange stories, friends, ambitions, etc.
10 Typical Stock Characters
10. The Red-Hot Lover:
always has a new love interest.