A QUICK GUIDE TO THE ANATOMY OF A CLICHÉ

This guide is intended as a supplement to S. John Ross’s “Anatomy of a Cliché” from his Risus Companion, which is available to members of the International Order of Risus (http://www222.pair.com/sjohn/risus.htm ) for all things Risus!)

Personal History

Sometimes adding a variation on “former” can add a level of depth to an otherwise ho-hum cliché.

· Former Elvis Impersonator

· Defrocked Witch-doctor

· Retired Paperboy

Degree of Dedication

The numbers don’t tell the whole story. Is your character committed to his chosen cliché, or does his enthusiasm lag sometimes? Is his talent natural-born, or does it come with great difficulty?

· Part-time Pacifist

· Struggling Brain Surgeon

· Assistant Assassin

· Fanatical Frothing-Mouthed Fundamentalist

Social Class or Financial Means                                                                     

Though Risus does not have rules for money or buying stuff, you can tell a lot about the financial means of a character by his clichés.

· Generous and Popular Vagrant

· Stingy, Inhospitable Philanthropist

· Penniless Tycoon

· Imprisoned Billionaire Homemaking Guru

Gender

Many clichés imply a gender (like Professional Football Player or Housewife), but gender-based cliches are quite fun to play with.

· Female Donald Trump

· Aging Male Prositute With A Heart Of Gold

· Cross-Dressing Paladin

· Blacksmith Babe

Demeanor

Attitude is often everything.

· Jolly, Happy Berserker

· Affable, People-Friendly Assassin

· Careful, Timid Demolition Derby Driver

Ham-Handed Reference

These would be references to actors, actresses, fictional characters, and genre conventions.

· William Shatner

· Rhyming Lawyer

· Gomer Pyle

· Martha Stewart

· Red-Shirt (from Star Trek)

· Used Chariot Salesman

· A “brick”, “flyer”, “energy blaster”, or other comic book stereotype.

Goals

Your character’s personal goals determine how his skills develop, and distinguish them from characters with similar Cliches

· Eager Young Performer Lookin’ for Nookie

· Dedicated AcTOR In Search Of Eternal Fame

· Bitter Mad Scientist Out To Have His Revenge On Everybody Who Laughed At Him

Self-Image

How does your character see himself? Do others see him the same way?

· Self-Loathing Accountant

· “The Best Pickle Salesman In The Whole Darn Faire!”

· Grieving, Suicidal Lawyer

Subplots and Relationships

Cliches can involve other people and how they interact with the character.

· Handsome Young Swordsman Working His Way Through The Local Girls

· Nervous Ex-Gangster On The Run From The Mob

· Plastic Surgeon to the Stars

Problems

Some see them as problems; others see them as opportunities.

· Enormously Obese Contortionist

· Stuttering Country-Western Singer

· Blind Fighter Pilot