Grounded Character/ Foil

In comedy, a grounded character is someone who behaves as you’d expect in a given situation - anchoring the audience to the reality of the scene. They’re usually paired with a more comical character whose unexpected actions drive the humor.

While often called a foil or straight man/straight woman, we prefer grounded character.

Why It Matters

Heightened Contrast: A grounded character’s predictable responses make the unusual character’s antics pop, amplifying the comedy.

World Building: By acting in familiar ways, they reinforce the scene’s rules and setting, helping the audience understand where they are.

Narrative Anchor: Their clear, sensible choices give the story shape - guiding the plot and highlighting what’s important.

Emotional Connection: Recognizable reactions give audiences a foothold in the scene, making them care about what happens next.