Character Comedy

Character comedy is a form of solo performance where the comedian takes on a fictional persona to deliver pre-written material. It's like stand-up, but instead of performing as yourself (or a version of yourself), you’re stepping into the shoes of someone entirely different - whether it’s an overconfident guru, a Victorian ghost hunter or a lonely regional train announcer with big dreams.

These characters often have a strong point of view, a unique voice (sometimes literally), and a comic flaw or obsession that drives their behaviour. The humour comes not only from their words but from how they see the world - and how the world reacts to them.

While sketch comedy, clown, and improv might all feature characters, character comedy usually refers to solo, scripted performances delivered directly to an audience. The character might be doing their own version of a stand-up set, telling stories, sharing opinions, or falling apart in real time - but the fourth wall is often broken, and audience connection is key.

Key features

Solo performer taking on a specific, recurring character
Material is usually scripted or semi-scripted
Often performed as monologues, mock-lectures, rants, poems, or surreal confessionals
Direct audience address is common, unlike most sketch or improv
Characters may appear in TV, online videos, or live cabaret/stand-up-style nights

How it's different from...

Stand-up: In stand-up, you're usually you - even if exaggerated. In character comedy, you're someone else entirely.
Sketch: Sketch characters usually appear in short scenes with others. In character comedy, it's typically just you, and the scene is built around the character's world.
Clown: While clowns are also heightened characters, clown focuses on presence, failure, and audience sensitivity. A character comedian may hide behind the character - a clown cannot.
Improv: You might improvise a character in a scene, but that’s different from building an act around a persona you return to and refine over time.