Learn English – it called when a character is portrayed opposite the stereotype for comedic effect

literary-techniques

Many character roles have stereotypically defined behavior, e.g. macho soldiers or helpless princesses. Sometimes authors intentionally defy those stereotypes for humor, and to call attention to readers' usual assumptions.

What is the name of this literary device, where an author flouts a stereotype for humor?

I can't think of an appropriate word (or even short phrase) for the life of me. Any thoughts appreciated.


For example, a comic depicts Shaolin monks, but instead of following their stereotype of being silent and serious, there is corny humor and a spit-take.

Other examples:

http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Abe-Lincoln-Riding-Grizzly-Bear-Holding-Gun.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa1rjCZxtxo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tYLb3teB14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H2W1lK7P-I

Best Answer

tvtropes.org might not be the guardians of the English language, but they certainly have plenty of know-how regarding to tropes (such as stereotypes) and have defined or documented much terminology in this area.

They call this inverting a trope, or more precisely a stereotype flip. Stereotypes can be considered a sub-set of tropes (or the other way around).