Call-back

Definition

A call-back is a comedic device where a joke or reference made earlier in a script is brought back later to create humor or reinforce a point. This technique builds anticipation and can deepen audience engagement by creating connections between different moments in the narrative. It’s a way of rewarding the audience for paying attention and enhances the comedic rhythm of the piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Call-backs are effective in comedy because they create a sense of familiarity and expectation for the audience.
2. They can be subtle or overt, but successful call-backs usually relate closely to the original joke or moment.
3. Using call-backs effectively can enhance character development by revealing their traits through repeated references.
4. Timing is crucial in delivering a call-back; it should be placed at just the right moment to maximize laughter.
5. Call-backs are commonly used in various comedic formats, including sitcoms, stand-up routines, and feature films.

Review Questions

• How do call-backs contribute to audience engagement in comedic writing?
  • Call-backs enhance audience engagement by creating connections between different parts of the script, allowing viewers to feel rewarded for their attention. When a joke or reference is revisited later, it reinforces earlier moments and adds layers to the comedy. This continuity not only makes the humor more impactful but also deepens the audience's emotional investment in the story and characters.
• Discuss how call-backs can be used to develop character traits in a screenplay.
  • Call-backs can reveal and reinforce character traits by showcasing how characters react to or engage with previously established jokes or situations. For example, if a character consistently references an earlier mishap in humorous ways, it highlights their sense of humor or resilience. This technique helps to flesh out characters and makes them more relatable and memorable to the audience.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using call-backs within a comedic narrative structure and its impact on overall humor.
  • Using call-backs effectively can significantly enhance a comedic narrative by creating layers of humor that resonate with audiences. When strategically placed, they can amplify laughter by connecting previous setups with new punchlines, leading to unexpected comedic moments. Additionally, well-executed call-backs contribute to a cohesive storyline, making the humor feel earned and part of a larger framework rather than isolated incidents, ultimately resulting in a richer viewing experience.

Related terms

set-up: The initial introduction of a joke or situation that prepares the audience for the punchline or the comedic reveal.

punchline: The final part of a joke that delivers the humor, often catching the audience off guard with an unexpected twist.

running gag: A joke or humorous situation that is repeated throughout a screenplay or series, becoming funnier as it recurs.