comedic-banter-rhythm

name	comedic-banter-rhythm
description	Use when writing, editing, or reviewing witty banter, comedic escalation, light-novel-style exchanges, argument-driven exposition, straight-man/chaos-speaker dynamics, or humor under pressure.

Comedic Banter Rhythm

Use this skill when comedy should sharpen character, pressure, exposition, or relationship dynamics.

Core Pattern

1. Pressure First: Anchor the exchange in a real scene problem, goal, embarrassment, danger, misunderstanding, or status challenge.
2. Role Contrast: Give each speaker a different function: instigator, straight man, deadpan sniper, chaos speaker, analyst, emotional reactor, or reluctant translator.
3. Escalation: Each line should raise, twist, deny, or reframe the previous line. Avoid flat joke-answer-joke loops.
4. Information by Friction: Deliver rules, plans, and worldbuilding through correction, argument, panic, teasing, or disbelief.
5. Snap Beat: After a buildup, land a short blunt line, silent reaction, physical beat, or status flip.
6. Aftertaste: Let the joke reveal affection, insecurity, competence, fear, or a tactical move.

Writing Rules

• Start late. Enter after the awkward, dangerous, or absurd pressure is already present.
• Make jokes character-specific. A line should sound like only that character would say it.
• Let banter carry power movement: who leads, who loses face, who learns, who hides fear.
• Mix line lengths. Use short retorts after longer setup.
• Use action beats for reactions: freezing, staring, continuing calmly, refusing eye contact, changing the subject.
• Do not let jokes erase stakes. Good banter lets fear leak through the funny.

Editing Checks

Flag the scene if:

• The joke could be spoken by any character.
• The banter delays the scene without changing status, emotion, information, or tactics.
• Exposition arrives as a lecture instead of argument or pressure.
• Every character is equally sarcastic.
• The same joke rhythm repeats more than three times.
• The humor contradicts the scene's emotional cost without intentional contrast.