Silly Character Ideas

Press the button for one of these silly OC ideas in five parts, from self-image to hidden talent.

Silly Character Ideas: 30 characters

Thinks they are a ballroom champion of the kitchen tiles. Really: reads instruction manuals for pleasure. Running gag: their stomach growls during the minute of silence. Always carries a wheel of cheese on a leash. Oddly good at folding fitted sheets into perfect squares.

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  • Who they think they areballroom champion of the kitchen tiles
  • What they are reallyreads instruction manuals for pleasure
  • Running gagtheir stomach growls during the minute of silence
  • Propa wheel of cheese on a leash
  • Oddly good atfolding fitted sheets into perfect squares
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    1. Thinks they are a ballroom champion of the kitchen tiles. Really: reads instruction manuals for pleasure. Running gag: their stomach growls during the minute of silence. Always carries a wheel of cheese on a leash. Oddly good at folding fitted sheets into perfect squares.
    2. Thinks they are a knight errant between quests since 2009. Really: believes that Wednesday comes twice. Running gag: babies stare at them with open suspicion. Always carries a kazoo on a velvet cushion. Oddly good at packing a suitcase for four into a satchel.
    3. Thinks they are a runway model on the way to the mailbox. Really: reads instruction manuals for pleasure. Running gag: automatic doors do not notice them. Always carries a monocle with plain glass. Oddly good at building card towers in a draft.
    4. Thinks they are an influencer with three followers, all aunts. Really: wheels stray carts back to stores they never visited. Running gag: dropped toast never lands the messy way, which unnerves them. Always carries a kazoo on a velvet cushion. Oddly good at settling arguments about who was next.
    5. Thinks they are a defender of the office stapler. Really: has opinions about grout. Running gag: birthday candles relight for them alone. Always carries a garden gnome in a baby sling. Oddly good at calming crying babies with one eyebrow.
    6. Thinks they are a food critic of tap water. Really: wheels stray carts back to stores they never visited. Running gag: whatever line they join stops moving. Always carries a visitor sticker from last March. Oddly good at knowing which twin is which by the back of the head.
    7. Thinks they are an one-person neighborhood watch. Really: apologizes to mannequins. Running gag: rain starts the instant the picnic rug is flat. Always carries a telescope with the lens cap on. Oddly good at loosening lids that defeated the whole household.
    8. Thinks they are a grandmaster who learned chess on Tuesday. Really: trips over patterns in the carpet. Running gag: they applaud one clap too long. Always carries a megaphone they speak into at a whisper. Oddly good at folding fitted sheets into perfect squares.
    9. Thinks they are an influencer with three followers, all aunts. Really: loses things while holding them. Running gag: every pen they borrow is out of ink. Always carries an inflatable flamingo, mostly inflated. Oddly good at herding ducklings across a road.
    10. Thinks they are an etiquette coach who slurps. Really: is in bed by nine with cocoa. Running gag: they finish a sentence just after everyone leaves. Always carries a key that fits a door somewhere. Oddly good at choosing exactly the right birthday card.
    11. Thinks they are a stand-up comic with one joke. Really: keeps a nightlight for the goldfish. Running gag: after a big farewell, both parties head in one direction. Always carries an emergency crouton in a matchbox. Oddly good at getting cats to come when called.
    12. Thinks they are a rescuer of kittens that are not stuck. Really: reads instruction manuals for pleasure. Running gag: babies stare at them with open suspicion. Always carries a sandwich board advertising nothing. Oddly good at wrapping presents with no tape at all.
    13. Thinks they are a knight errant between quests since 2009. Really: wears the left shoe on whichever foot is nearer. Running gag: any umbrella they open is already inside out. Always carries a flask of soup they keep forgetting about. Oddly good at picking the ripest melon by its knock.
    14. Thinks they are a world expert on a film they slept through. Really: eats the same sandwich every Tuesday. Running gag: maps refold themselves wrong in their hands. Always carries a feather duster holstered at the hip. Oddly good at reciting train times for stations they never use.
    15. Thinks they are a grandmaster who learned chess on Tuesday. Really: keeps a lamp lit so the moths have somewhere to go. Running gag: the one loose paving stone always squirts them. Always carries an inflatable flamingo, mostly inflated. Oddly good at loosening lids that defeated the whole household.
    16. Thinks they are an interior designer of other people's sheds. Really: keeps a lamp lit so the moths have somewhere to go. Running gag: automatic doors do not notice them. Always carries a ventriloquist dummy that stays silent. Oddly good at sensing rain an hour before the clouds do.
    17. Thinks they are a circus ringmaster of two hamsters. Really: believes that Wednesday comes twice. Running gag: they walk in exactly as the music stops. Always carries a potted cactus named after a general. Oddly good at naming a song from its first drumbeat.
    18. Thinks they are an undercover operative everyone greets by name. Really: locks the keys inside daily, on schedule. Running gag: the one loose paving stone always squirts them. Always carries a visitor sticker from last March. Oddly good at making a flat pebble bounce eleven hops.
    19. Thinks they are a prima ballerina in rain boots. Really: is in bed by nine with cocoa. Running gag: babies stare at them with open suspicion. Always carries a single oar. Oddly good at teaching parrots good manners.
    20. Thinks they are a personal trainer to a houseplant. Really: wheels stray carts back to stores they never visited. Running gag: dogs bring them other people's slippers. Always carries an emergency crouton in a matchbox. Oddly good at packing a suitcase for four into a satchel.
    21. Thinks they are a prima ballerina in rain boots. Really: wears the left shoe on whichever foot is nearer. Running gag: any open book of theirs acquires a tabby. Always carries a sandwich board advertising nothing. Oddly good at finding four-leaf clovers on the first look.
    22. Thinks they are an art critic at the fridge door. Really: knows the trash pickup days by heart. Running gag: caged birds quote their most regrettable remarks. Always carries a rubber chicken in knitted neckwear. Oddly good at settling arguments about who was next.
    23. Thinks they are a knight errant between quests since 2009. Really: loses things while holding them. Running gag: bees treat their hat as a meeting place. Always carries a jar labeled last Tuesday's air. Oddly good at packing a suitcase for four into a satchel.
    24. Thinks they are a prima ballerina in rain boots. Really: adopts every snail on the path. Running gag: they remember the answer in the parking lot. Always carries a telescope with the lens cap on. Oddly good at picking the ripest melon by its knock.
    25. Thinks they are a sea captain of a pedal boat. Really: follows recipes in the wrong order. Running gag: rain starts the instant the picnic rug is flat. Always carries a gavel for ending conversations. Oddly good at wrapping presents with no tape at all.
    26. Thinks they are an alpine rescuer stationed on a mound. Really: has never once found the right bus. Running gag: they walk in exactly as the music stops. Always carries an umbrella with a window cut in it. Oddly good at settling arguments about who was next.
    27. Thinks they are a fearless explorer of the backyard. Really: apologizes to mannequins. Running gag: caged birds quote their most regrettable remarks. Always carries a single oar. Oddly good at calculating a restaurant tip to the penny.
    28. Thinks they are an art critic at the fridge door. Really: names the dust bunnies. Running gag: their reflection runs a beat slow. Always carries a framed photograph of a stranger's dog. Oddly good at predicting which line will move fastest.
    29. Thinks they are a stand-up comic with one joke. Really: irons their handkerchiefs. Running gag: the one loose paving stone always squirts them. Always carries a hand bell for announcing their arrival. Oddly good at telling the time by the smell of the bakery.
    30. Thinks they are a professional napper, self-certified. Really: locks the keys inside daily, on schedule. Running gag: their own coat hanger follows them outside. Always carries a telescope with the lens cap on. Oddly good at shuffling cards like a river.

    Next step Give this character a funny pastCast them in a comic

    Who they think they are: all 42 self-images

    A hero 14

    • alpine rescuer stationed on a mound Ropes, crampons and a summit at knee height.
    • chosen one, pending paperwork A letter opener held aloft, and a form in triplicate.
    • defender of the office stapler A stance of readiness beside a pencil cup.
    • fearless explorer of the backyard A pith helmet, a butterfly net and a compass read upside down.
    • knight errant between quests since 2009 A colander helmet worn with total dignity.
    • lone wolf with eleven close friends Brooding against a wall while a crowd waves from behind.
    • one-person neighborhood watch Binoculars at a lace curtain, and a logbook of passing cats.
    • rescuer of kittens that are not stuck A ladder against a tree, and a cat watching from the ground.
    • sea captain of a pedal boat A hand shading the eyes, and one foot on the prow of a swan.
    • sheriff of the sandbox A tin star, and a wide-legged stance at high noon.
    • storm chaser who is afraid of drizzle A weather map under one arm, and an umbrella already open indoors.
    • sworn guardian of the snack cupboard Arms folded, back to a shelf, crumbs on the collar.
    • undercover operative everyone greets by name A trench coat in summer, and a newspaper with eyeholes.
    • wilderness survivor two fields from home A campfire of three twigs, and a house in the background.

    An expert 14

    • art critic at the fridge door Chin in hand before a child's crayon drawing.
    • chronicler of the previous seven days A lectern and a chalkboard that says Thursday.
    • etiquette coach who slurps A raised pinky, and a bib.
    • financial wizard with a jar of buttons A ledger, a quill and a jar sorted by size.
    • food critic of tap water A glass held to the light and swirled.
    • grandmaster who learned chess on Tuesday A hand hovering over the wrong piece with great confidence.
    • interior designer of other people's sheds Fabric swatches fanned beside a lawnmower.
    • master chef of toast A tall white hat, and one slice plated with a sprig of parsley.
    • navigator who trusts moss over maps Crouched at a tree trunk while a signpost stands behind.
    • personal trainer to a houseplant A whistle, a clipboard and a fern.
    • polyglot fluent in menus Ordering with a flourish, and a waiter's raised eyebrow.
    • professional napper, self-certified An eye mask on the forehead, and a framed diploma.
    • weather forecaster by knee One pant leg rolled, and a finger raised to the wind.
    • world expert on a film they slept through One finger raised mid-lecture, and popcorn still on the sweater.

    A star 14

    • award winner rehearsing a speech A shampoo bottle held like a trophy.
    • ballroom champion of the kitchen tiles A dip, performed with a mop.
    • celebrity avoiding fans in an empty street Sunglasses and a collar turned up, with nobody around.
    • circus ringmaster of two hamsters A top hat, a tiny whip of string, and a wheel.
    • influencer with three followers, all aunts A phone on a stack of books, and a ring light made from a lampshade.
    • magician whose rabbit unionized An empty hat, and a small picket sign.
    • method actor playing a tree since spring Arms up, perfectly still, with a bird considering it.
    • poet laureate of greeting cards A beret and a rhyming dictionary.
    • prima ballerina in rain boots An arabesque at a bus stop.
    • radio host to an audience of houseplants Headphones, a hairbrush and attentive ferns.
    • rock drummer of the steering wheel Hair flung forward at a red light.
    • runway model on the way to the mailbox One hand on a hip, bathrobe belt trailing.
    • stand-up comic with one joke A spotlight, a stool and an index card.
    • undiscovered tenor of the shower A loofah held as a microphone.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-03. Made up for this list: grand ideas a character holds about themselves. The joke is the gap between the idea and the person, never the person's body, age, accent, faith or background. None is a named character from a book, a film, a show or a game. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

    What they are really: all 42 truths

    Soft underneath 14

    • adopts every snail on the path A lettuce leaf in the shirt pocket.
    • apologizes to mannequins A small bow in a shop doorway.
    • cannot hold a grudge past lunchtime An angry stomp that turns into a wave by the third step.
    • cries at commercials for bread A tissue box within reach in every scene.
    • gives the pigeons individual attention Crumbs set out in separate small piles.
    • hums to nervous kettles A hand patting an appliance.
    • keeps a lamp lit so the moths have somewhere to go A lamp, and a welcome mat sized for wings.
    • keeps a nightlight for the goldfish A tiny lamp clipped to a bowl.
    • names the dust bunnies A dustpan held like a cradle.
    • salutes every passing locomotive, hopefully On tiptoe at a fence, one arm high.
    • saves the last bite for whoever looks sad A fork held out across a table.
    • tucks in the laundry at night A basket with a dish towel pulled up to its chin.
    • worries about the feelings of odd socks One sock given a seat of its own.
    • writes thank-you notes to bus shelters An envelope taped to a timetable.

    A muddle 14

    • believes that Wednesday comes twice Two days circled on a calendar.
    • follows recipes in the wrong order Frosting applied to raw eggs.
    • gets tangled in a single shoelace One lace, somehow round both ankles and a wrist.
    • has never once found the right bus A timetable held sideways.
    • locks the keys inside daily, on schedule A face at a car window, looking in at the keys.
    • loses things while holding them Glasses on the forehead, and hands patting every pocket.
    • mistakes mirrors for doorways A hand out for a handshake, at a hall mirror.
    • remembers every birthday a week late A cake with apologies written in icing.
    • sets off for the bakery and arrives at the dentist A shopping bag, a puzzled look and a waiting room.
    • sets six alarms and sleeps through seven Clocks ringing on every surface round a peaceful sleeper.
    • shoves at doors that plainly say pull A shoulder against glass, and a sign in plain view.
    • trips over patterns in the carpet A leap across a perfectly flat floral rug.
    • waters the plastic fern faithfully A can, a drip tray and a very shiny leaf.
    • wears the left shoe on whichever foot is nearer Toes pointing confidently apart.

    Perfectly ordinary 14

    • collects takeout menus alphabetically A ring binder with tabs.
    • eats the same sandwich every Tuesday A lunch box with a label that says Tuesday.
    • has opinions about grout Kneeling at a tiled wall with a toothbrush.
    • irons their handkerchiefs A neat white square in every pocket.
    • is in bed by nine with cocoa A mug, slippers and a clock that agrees.
    • keeps receipts in date order A shoebox with dividers.
    • knows the trash pickup days by heart A trash can put out at dawn with ceremony.
    • labels the labels A label maker on a holster.
    • looks forward to defrosting the freezer Rubber gloves on, a towel on the floor and a happy sigh.
    • reads instruction manuals for pleasure Feet up, with a booklet about a toaster.
    • reads the terms and conditions, twice A magnifying glass over very small print, and a cup of tea gone cold.
    • sorts the recycling twice Three bins, a fourth for doubts.
    • times their toast with a stopwatch A thumb on a button, and eyes on the slot.
    • wheels stray carts back to stores they never visited Pushing a long train of carts into the sunset.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-03. Made up for this list: the plain, likable truth under the grand idea. No entry mocks a body, an age, an illness, a faith or where anyone comes from. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

    Running gag: all 42 gags

    Luck 14

    • any umbrella they open is already inside out A bowl of spokes held overhead.
    • birthday candles relight for them alone Cheeks puffed, on the fifth attempt.
    • dropped toast never lands the messy way, which unnerves them A slice on the floor, the right way up, and a suspicious stare.
    • ducks follow them home A line of five behind, in step.
    • every hat they buy blows onto the same roof A row of hats along a gutter, in order of purchase.
    • every pen they borrow is out of ink A pocketful of dead pens.
    • every photograph catches them mid-sneeze A wall of framed portraits, eyes shut in all of them.
    • the one loose paving stone always squirts them A jet of water up one pant leg.
    • the only puddle in town finds their shoe A dry street, one wet circle and one foot.
    • pigeons mistake them for a statue Standing still for a second too long, with a bird on each shoulder.
    • their kite only flies indoors A string going up a stairwell.
    • they win door prizes they never signed up for A giant ham, and bewilderment.
    • vending machines give them two of everything Arms full of duplicate snacks.
    • whatever line they join stops moving Other lines flowing past like rivers.

    Timing 14

    • after a big farewell, both parties head in one direction Two people side by side, eyes forward, mortified.
    • the bus arrives the moment they sit down Half risen from a bench, sandwich unwrapped.
    • the elevator opens while they are dancing Arms mid-flourish, and a row of faces.
    • the lights come on mid-tiptoe One foot up, and a spoon in a jar.
    • the punchline arrives a day later, by text A phone buzzing in a quiet library.
    • rain starts the instant the picnic rug is flat One fat drop on a sandwich.
    • their dramatic exit meets a locked door A swept cape, and a rattled handle.
    • their stomach growls during the minute of silence A hand pressed flat, too late.
    • they applaud one clap too long Hands frozen apart in a silent hall.
    • they finish a sentence just after everyone leaves A raised finger in an empty room.
    • they hold the elevator for people going the other way One arm across the doors, and a group walking briskly past.
    • they remember the answer in the parking lot A finger raised to the sky beside a car.
    • they return a greeting meant for the person behind A hand turning the wave into a hair adjustment.
    • they walk in exactly as the music stops A doorway, a held note and every head turned.

    The world reacts 14

    • any open book of theirs acquires a tabby A newspaper with a tail.
    • automatic doors do not notice them Waving both arms at a sensor.
    • babies stare at them with open suspicion A stroller, and a very level gaze.
    • bees treat their hat as a meeting place A calm face under a buzzing brim.
    • caged birds quote their most regrettable remarks A bird, a perch and a wince.
    • dogs bring them other people's slippers A pile by the door, none matching.
    • echoes answer them with corrections A canyon, and a speech balloon coming back edited.
    • every chair they pick has one short leg A slow rocking, and a folded napkin at the ready.
    • maps refold themselves wrong in their hands A paper accordion with opinions.
    • street musicians switch to their theme tune A tuba player brightening as they approach.
    • their hat always enters the room first A doorway, a brim and nothing else yet.
    • their own coat hanger follows them outside A wire hook showing above the collar.
    • their reflection runs a beat slow A raised eyebrow that the reflection has not got to yet.
    • waiters bring them someone else's order, and it is better A plate set down, a double take and a shrug.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-03. Made up for this list: things that keep happening to or around the character. Nobody is hurt in any of them, and none depends on anyone's body or background. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

    Prop: all 42 props

    Looks official 14

    • a briefcase containing one banana Opened on the knees with two solemn clicks.
    • a gavel for ending conversations Raised, with a small block carried for the purpose.
    • a hand bell for announcing their arrival Rung once, with the wrist only.
    • a hard hat, indoors and out Chin strap fastened at the breakfast table.
    • a laminated list of their own rules Corners curling, and a rule seven added in pen.
    • a megaphone they speak into at a whisper Held an inch from the lips, and everyone leaning in.
    • a monocle with plain glass Screwed in for reading labels on jam.
    • a pointer stick for indicating snacks Telescopic, with a rubber tip.
    • a rubber stamp that says approved An ink pad in the other hand, and stamped objects all round.
    • a sash that reads judge Worn over a raincoat.
    • a tape measure they consult before sitting A yellow tongue of tape across a chair.
    • a visitor sticker from last March Curling at one corner on a lapel, and smoothed down hourly.
    • a walkie-talkie tuned to static An antenna extended fully, held to one ear.
    • a whistle they are not authorized to blow On a cord, fingered often.

    Almost useful 14

    • a butterfly net with a generous hole Swished grandly, with a moth departing through the middle.
    • a compass that points at cake A needle swinging toward a bakery.
    • a flashlight powered by enthusiasm Shaken, tapped and aimed at a dim wall.
    • a flask of soup they keep forgetting about Opened with dread.
    • a key that fits a door somewhere Tried, hopefully, on every lock.
    • a map of a different city Unfolded with confidence on any street corner.
    • a pocket fan in a snowstorm Blades spinning at a frosted nose.
    • a single oar Carried upright, like a banner.
    • a stepladder that stops just shy of everything Carried on the shoulder through narrow doorways.
    • a stub of pencil with lead at either tip Graphite on both palms.
    • a telescope with the lens cap on Pressed to the eye and described at length.
    • a wristwatch still on vacation hours A wrist checked, then a long sum on the fingers.
    • an emergency crouton in a matchbox A matchbox slid open with ceremony, for one cube of toast.
    • an umbrella with a window cut in it Looking up through the hole at the rain.

    Plainly odd 14

    • a bucket of confetti, just in case A handful always half thrown.
    • a feather duster holstered at the hip One hand always resting on the handle.
    • a framed photograph of a stranger's dog Shown proudly, wallet style.
    • a garden gnome in a baby sling A pointed hat showing at chest height.
    • a jar labeled last Tuesday's air Held up for visitors to admire.
    • a kazoo on a velvet cushion Carried flat on both palms.
    • a potted cactus named after a general Saluted each morning.
    • a rubber chicken in knitted neckwear Tucked in a coat pocket, head out.
    • a sandwich board advertising nothing Two blank panels and a cheerful walk.
    • a snow globe they consult before deciding Shaken at moments of decision.
    • a trombone they cannot play The slide extended round corners first.
    • a ventriloquist dummy that stays silent Seated on the knee, both staring ahead.
    • a wheel of cheese on a leash A small cart, a cord and a dignified pace.
    • an inflatable flamingo, mostly inflated Under one arm, neck drooping.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-03. Made up for this list: objects that look official, are almost useful or are plainly odd. No brand is named. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

    Oddly good at: all 42 talents

    With the hands 14

    • building card towers in a draft Six stories, and a fluttering curtain.
    • catching a falling cup on one foot A foot out, a mug balanced on the instep.
    • flipping pancakes onto distant plates A long arc across a kitchen, and a diner not even looking.
    • folding fitted sheets into perfect squares A crisp stack, and onlookers.
    • loosening lids that defeated the whole household A line of people holding jars.
    • making a flat pebble bounce eleven hops A low side-arm, and a dotted line across a pond.
    • packing a suitcase for four into a satchel Sitting on nothing. It simply closes.
    • parallel parking anything, including boats One smooth arc, with a hand behind the headrest.
    • pouring tea on a moving train without a drop lost A cup, a spout and a carriage tilted on a bend.
    • shuffling cards like a river A cascade between the hands, face calm.
    • slicing a cake into nine equal pieces A knife held like a conductor's baton over a perfect grid.
    • untangling other people's headphones Fingers working, eyes elsewhere, bored.
    • whistling in three-part harmony, somehow Three note trails from one mouth.
    • wrapping presents with no tape at all Paper folded like origami round a box.

    With people and animals 14

    • calming crying babies with one eyebrow A raised brow, and sudden peace.
    • choosing exactly the right birthday card A recipient clutching it to the chest.
    • getting cats to come when called A doorway filling with tails.
    • getting toddlers to keep their mittens on A row of small hands, all mittened, and a parent staring.
    • guessing what a toddler is pointing at First try, every time.
    • herding ducklings across a road Arms out, traffic waiting, a neat yellow line.
    • judging a pie contest fairly Every baker shaking their hand afterward.
    • knowing when someone needs a sandwich A wrapped parcel offered without a word.
    • making bus drivers laugh A driver's shoulders shaking in the mirror.
    • remembering the names of everyone's pets A greeting aimed at knee height.
    • seating feuding relatives so that nobody notices A long table, place cards and one small satisfied nod.
    • settling arguments about who was next Two shoppers nodding, satisfied.
    • talking geese out of a bad mood A level conversation at beak height.
    • teaching parrots good manners A bird saying after you.

    Knowing things 14

    • calculating a restaurant tip to the penny A napkin with one tidy sum.
    • finding four-leaf clovers on the first look Bending once, casually.
    • guessing the weight of any dog within an ounce A squint, a nod and a number.
    • identifying birds by their arguments Head cocked at a hedge, translating.
    • knowing exactly when the kettle will click A hand out for the handle a beat early.
    • knowing which twin is which by the back of the head A confident tap on the correct shoulder.
    • naming a song from its first drumbeat A finger up before the second beat.
    • picking the ripest melon by its knock An ear to the rind, and a thumbs up.
    • predicting which line will move fastest Switching lines at the perfect moment.
    • reciting train times for stations they never use A commuter leaning in to listen.
    • remembering every license plate on the street Reciting, eyes closed, as cars pass.
    • sensing rain an hour before the clouds do Leaving the laundry in while the neighbors hang theirs out.
    • spelling long words backward at speed Letters streaming right to left in a balloon.
    • telling the time by the smell of the bakery A sniff at a window, then a glance at no watch.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-03. Made up for this list: small real skills, the surprise at the end of the joke. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

    How it works

    These silly character ideas come in five parts: who the character thinks they are, what they are really like, a running gag, the prop they always carry and one thing they are oddly good at.

    Read the full guide

    Comedic character ideas run on a gap

    The first two parts make the joke: a grand self-image and a plain truth. A grandmaster who learned chess on Tuesday irons their handkerchiefs. Draw the pose of the first and the details of the second, and nothing else needs explaining.

    The gag, the prop and the save

    The running gag is what the world does to them: every hat they buy blows onto the same roof. The prop is what they bring to it. The last part is the save, a real skill that makes a reader like them.

    • Play the self-image straight. A colander helmet is funnier when it is worn with total dignity.

    Questions and answers

    What makes funny OC ideas funny without being mean?

    The joke is the gap between who the character thinks they are and what they do. No entry on this page laughs at a body, an age, an accent, a faith or where anyone comes from.

    How do I draw a silly character?

    Give the pose to the self-image and the props to the truth. The note under each entry, in the lists below the tool, names one thing to draw: a compass read upside down, a loofah held as a microphone.

    How is this different from a funny backstory?

    A backstory is the past. These five parts are who the character is today: what they believe, what is true, what keeps happening, what they carry and what they can really do.

    Are these characters from a cartoon or a comic?

    No. Every part was made up for this page, and none is a named character from a book, a film, a show or a game.

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