Whilst this may not be directly focussed on improv, I think that characters are an important part of it – this is why I am starting a new feature called Character Building.

I came up with this idea the other day when I was watching Brooklyn 99 and some of the characters were so fascinating when I thought about it, I decided that character analysis could be interesting.

Obviously, improv is made up on the spot but looking at other characters can create inspiration for ideas you can take away to help develop your own personas in the future.

Today we are looking at a character that is fantastic for physical comedy.

This Week’s Character – Axl Heck

Why This character?

The Middle is such an underrated show, especially in the United Kingdom. It is so good and there are so many fantastic characters that could be discussed in this article. I decided to write about Axl because out of all the characters I think he is my favourite.

Initially, the true characteristics of Axl are not obvious but as the show develops the physical comedy and comedy timing of him is impeccable and so much fun.

That’s why I wanted to include him in this article because he is such a great case study for improv.

Personality traits that are great

• Physical comedy – there are so many times when Axl does things such as walk into objects so clumsily that it creates high impact comedy.
• The silly ideas that he comes up with such as Boss Bros and the joy that he has when he comes up with it
• Throughout the show he has silly personality moments such as his dancing and ‘wiggly man high five’ that creates comedy fun.

What we can learn for Improv Characters?

• Physical comedy can be huge thing in improv to create comedy – even more so when it is unexpected
• Silly ideas can make some great improv scenes
• Silly physical moments can stay with an audience more then anything else.

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