Writer’s Shop Talk: Crafting Humor Through Character Reactions and Timing

What is the funniest moment in your story? Does it involve the hero and heroine, or side characters?

Humor is pretty personal, so what makes one person laugh might not work for someone else. Reunion: Coda has a bunch of funny moments, but here’s one example you might like.

The elevator is unusually empty as we step inside. The Muzak version of “Faith of the Heart” plays in the background, a stark contrast to the classical melodies that filled the car. As it ascends to the 33rd floor, I turn to Maddie, and without a word, we kiss—a passionate promise of the evening to come. The scent of her perfume, a subtle hint of vanilla and jasmine, fills the air, mingling with the warmth of her skin.

The kiss deepens, and for those few seconds, nothing else exists—no city below, no sky above, just Maddie and me and the promise of the night ahead. It’s a kiss that speaks of new beginnings, of chapters yet to be written, and stories yet to be told.

Suddenly, the bell chimes, a gentle reminder that we’re not alone in this building full of lives intersecting. The doors slide open, and there stands Mrs. Halverson from the 34th floor, her eyes wide with surprise. She’s clutching her poodle, Mr. Piffles, who seems equally taken aback.

Too embarrassed to speak, I can only offer a sheepish grin, but Maddie, ever the quick-witted one, doesn’t miss a beat. “Don’t mind us,” she says with a cheeky smile. “We’re just practicing for the building’s talent show—category: public displays of affection.”

Mrs. Halverson’s surprise melts into a chuckle as she steps aside, allowing us room to exit. “Well, you’d certainly take first prize,” she quips, as Mr. Piffles gives a little bark of what I assume is agreement.

Hand in hand, Maddie and I step out of the elevator, our laughter echoing down the hall as we make our way to my apartment door.

Copilot AI’s Detailed Dive into the Elevator Scene:

1. Setting the Scene:

• The scene starts in an elevator, a typically mundane and confined space, which becomes a setting for an unexpectedly romantic and humorous moment.
• The Muzak version of “Faith of the Heart” playing in the background adds an element of irony and contrast to the passionate kiss. Muzak, often associated with dull elevator rides, juxtaposes the intensity of the romantic moment, creating an amusing dissonance.

2. Build-Up of Romance:

• The kiss is described with rich sensory details, from the scent of Maddie’s perfume to the warmth of her skin. This creates an immersive and romantic atmosphere that readers can almost feel and smell.
• The deepening kiss signifies a moment of escapism for the characters, making it all the more jarring (and funny) when they are brought back to reality by the elevator bell.

3. Unexpected Interruption:

• The comedic timing is impeccable. Just as the romantic tension peaks, the bell chimes, and the doors open to reveal Mrs. Halverson and her poodle, Mr. Piffles.
• Mrs. Halverson’s wide-eyed surprise and Mr. Piffles’ equally startled reaction add layers of humor. The image of the poodle being taken aback is especially funny because it’s a human-like reaction attributed to a dog.

4. Character Reactions:

• Jim’s sheepish grin and Maddie’s quick-witted response contrast perfectly. Jim’s embarrassment is relatable and endearing, while Maddie’s humor showcases her sharp mind and confidence.
• Maddie’s quip about practicing for the building’s talent show is not only funny but also diffuses the awkwardness of the situation, turning it into a light-hearted moment.

5. Secondary Characters:

• Mrs. Halverson’s chuckle and Mr. Piffles’ bark add to the humor. Mrs. Halverson’s willingness to engage with the joke (“you’d certainly take first prize”) turns an awkward encounter into a shared moment of amusement.
• The inclusion of Mr. Piffles’ reaction makes the scene even more memorable, as it adds an element of whimsy and charm.

Why Readers Might Find It Funny:

1. Relatable Embarrassment: Most readers can relate to feeling embarrassed or caught off guard in public, making Jim’s sheepish reaction both relatable and amusing.

2. Quick Wit: Maddie’s clever and quick response adds to the humor, showcasing her personality and creating a sharp contrast with Jim’s reaction.

3. Irony and Juxtaposition: The use of Muzak, a typically boring and neutral background sound, during a romantic moment is ironic and adds a layer of absurdity.

4. Unexpected Reactions: The startled reactions of Mrs. Halverson and Mr. Piffles are funny because they are unexpected and exaggerated, adding to the comedic effect.

5. Light-Hearted Resolution: The situation is resolved with humor, leaving readers with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a smile.

This scene is a delightful blend of romance and comedy, with well-timed interruptions and character reactions that make it memorable and entertaining.