The Problem With Joke Characters.

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Published on September 11, 2025 6:00:28 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK4w4yJ8ibQ

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Some characters are funny, some characters are quippy, some characters are great at delivering the one-liner. But some characters are just a bad joke with no substance. Let's talk about the differences, and why this might be negatively impacting your game.
🎭 Joke Characters in D&D: Why They Fail (and How to Fix Them)

Do you have a goblin named Booger Snot in your party?

We’ve all seen them, characters built around one joke: silly names, weird voices, or chaotic energy with zero narrative weight. They’re funny for a session... until they derail the entire campaign.

In this episode, we’re discussing the difference between:

✅ Funny characters who make us laugh and move the story forward

❌ Joke characters who are nothing but the joke

🧠 How to evolve chaotic ideas into compelling characters

🎲 When a joke character can work (and when they absolutely can’t)

Whether you’re a DM setting tone in Session Zero or a player wondering if your himbo bard is a comic relief or a campaign killer, this one's for you.

📺 We break down examples from:

Critical Role (Fresh Cut Grass, Nott the Brave)
Drakkenheim (Pluto Jackson, Wrath)
Actual play shows like Legends of Avantris
And even classic media like LotR, Avatar: TLA, and Mass Effect

💬 Tell us in the comments:
Have you ever played a joke character that worked? What made them matter? Or… did your table get derailed by Fartblaster McGee?
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