Adding Humor to a Fiction Novel

Banter, Surprise, Irony and other Ways to Add Comic Relief

Aug 9, 2009 Vickie Britton

Most novels, even serious novels, can benefit by a touch of humor. Humor, however, is one of the most difficult elements to add and must be handled with care.

When most people think of humor, they automatically think of jokes or of slapstick scenes such as one of the Three Stooges tripping over a banana peel. There are many kinds of humor. Some more subtle types of humor include clever banter, surprise and irony. Some books are amusing rather than laugh out loud funny. These books usually rely on human nature to provide some lightness rather than pie-in-the-face jokes and one-liners.

Keeping Humor in Harmony With the Tone of Your Book

If you are writing a light-hearted story, a wisecracking hero can be an asset. But if your book is more serious, a smart-talking hero may actually put people off and cause readers to dislike him, especially if he becomes sarcastic. Save this brand of humor for the villain, and have the hero engage in light-hearted banter that will endear him to the reader.

For a more somber hero, scenes with strong human interest and just a touch of humor may be very effective. For example, a no-nonsense policeman who never cracks a smile will be more appealing when he does happen to find humor in a situation. Many detectives and other serious heroes are amusing because they view life with a sense of irony.

Adding Humor Through a Minor Character

Humor can often be added through the introduction of a minor character. Shakespeare used this technique often. One example is Romeo's fun-loving friend Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. The best friend who is a bit of a jester can add a touch of levity to a book without making the hero seem a buffoon. Humor doesn’t have to be over the top. The disorganized friend, the pal that is always getting into scrapes, can be a delightful diversion that readers look forward to and can provide opportunities for many humorous scenes to lighten the tone of even the darkest of storylines..

Where to Add Humor

Timing is everything. It is important to add humor to the right places. A funny scene in the midst of a serious situation, such as a funeral, is awkward at best. Unless you are writing a dark comedy, it will only serve to suspend belief. There is one exception. In some types of novels, “gallows humor” is used effectively, such as when a coroner in a morgue makes jokes about death to stave off fear. This can be effective unless it is overused. A little of this type of humor goes a long way. Too much can make your characters appear ghoulish.

For the most part, funny scenes should usually be set apart from the novel’s more serious events. One way to accomplish this is to make humor a part of the subplot. Maybe the hero’s job is serious, but he is engaged in a light-hearted romance or has a pet or child that can provide some comic relief and at the same time make him seem likeable and human. A surprise romantic dinner, the antics of a pet or child can add a needed touch of comic relief to an otherwise serious story.

You don't have to be a comedian to add a touch of humor to your book. Even a couple of scenes that make people laugh or at least smile in amusement will add dimentson to your characters and keep readers satisfied.

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Dividing a Novel into Chapters

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Adding Humor to a Novel