Writer-Centric POV Playlist: Scripting a comedic scene where the characters suffer an absurd series of misunderstandings
- Katherine Arkady
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Timing. Chaos. Miscommunication. And just the right amount of ridiculousness. This playlist is crafted for writers penning a comedic scene where everything that could be misunderstood is. Maybe your characters overheard only half the conversation, maybe they mistook a different person for a date, or maybe someone thinks “the job” involves actual crime (spoiler: it doesn’t).
This kind of scene thrives on rhythm and rapid dialogue, exaggerated logic, and the mounting tension of people talking past each other. The tone? Light, energetic, maybe a little chaotic—but always grounded in character-driven humor. If you're writing a rom-com misfire, a farcical heist, or an awkward brunch gone very wrong, this playlist helps you hit the comedic beats while keeping the dialogue sharp and the misunderstandings delightfully over-the-top.
For when the wrong text goes to the wrong person...and everything spirals from there.
The Set List
Yakety Sax (Theme from The Benny Hill Show)
Boots Randolph Boots Randolph's Yakety Sax!
Bad Moon Rising
Creedence Clearwater Revival Green River (Expanded Edition)
Gossip
High Fade Gossip
Goin' Down (Stereo Mix) [2007 Remaster] (Stereo Mix; 2007 Remaster)
Mahna, Mahna
CAKE b-sides and rarities
Funny You Should Say That
Stickshaker Pull Up or Go Down!
Gossip
Tame Impala Currents
Funny You Say That
Corbin Roe & Mayne Trap 6
Spinning Wheel (Single Version)
Blood, Sweat & Tears Greatest Hits
Comedy of Errors
Tips for Writing an Absurd Misunderstanding Scene:
1. Everyone’s Logic Should Make Sense…to Them
The best comedy often comes from sincerity, even in the most ridiculous circumstances. Each character involved in the misunderstanding should completely believe in their own version of reality. Their assumptions need to feel just plausible enough so the reader buys in too—until it all unravels. And when they're confidently wrong? That's the good stuff.
2. Let the Audience Be In On It
Absurd misunderstandings shine when the audience knows more than the characters. This builds dramatic irony and creates anticipation as we watch the confusion escalate. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck—but with jokes. Drop hints early that allow the reader to piece together the truth, even if the characters can’t. This increases tension and comedy.
3. Time the Escalation Just Right
Comedy is rhythm. Your misunderstanding scene should build in waves—small misfires that keep stacking, leading to increasingly bizarre or complicated consequences. Timing your reveals and twists is everything.
4. Layer in Physical & Visual Comedy
Don’t rely only on witty dialogue. Props, gestures, costumes, and even mistaken objects can create rich, layered humor. A character might grab the wrong suitcase or assume a whiteboard scribble is a company-wide crisis. Think like a director—how can you choreograph the scene to make it funnier visually, even if your medium is text?
5. One Character Needs to Stay Grounded (Eventually)
Amidst all the confusion, give at least one character clarity—or slowly reveal it to them. They might try to resolve the mess or let it continue out of self-interest. Either way, their shift in understanding offers a natural pivot point or punchline. Use this grounded character as your anchor—someone the audience can relate to, or someone who triggers the comedic reveal.
6. Choose Your Type of Misunderstanding
Not all comedic mix-ups are built the same. Here are a few fun setups:
Mistaken identity – Someone thinks a stranger is their blind date. Or their therapist. Or a hitman.
Double meaning – A word, phrase, or acronym means wildly different things to different characters.
Partial information – One person overhears just the wrong part of a conversation.
Wrong context – A character walks in expecting one thing and misreads the entire situation.
7. Let It Fall Apart—or End With a Twist
You can resolve the scene by pulling the rug out from under everyone with a big, loud reveal—or double-down with a new twist that makes things worse. Don’t be afraid to leave the misunderstanding unresolved if it adds to a larger arc or joke. Ask yourself what the emotional payoff is—do you want readers to laugh, cringe, or gasp? Use that to shape your ending.
Bonus: Don’t Forget the Stakes
Even absurdity needs grounding. What does each character want in the scene? What's at risk if they misunderstand or get found out? When characters care deeply about something ridiculous, the comedy lands harder.
Links to My Playlist Profiles
With a sprinkle of chaos and a dash of whimsy,
Katherine Arkady
Comedy is Rhythm. Well said.